Computer controlled display device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a computer controlled display device. In one embodiment, the display device includes a flat panel display having an input for receiving display data. Additionally, a moveable assembly may be coupled to the display. The moveable assembly may provide at least three degrees of freedom of movement for the flat panel display device. Additionally, the moveable assembly may have a cross-sectional area, which is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structure of the flat panel display.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application 60/438,586 entitled “COMPUTER CONTROLLEDDISPLAY DEVICE,” filed Jan. 6, 2003, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein. This application is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/035,417entitled “COMPUTER CONTROLLED DISPLAY DEVICE,” filed Nov. 8, 2001, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention relates to computers and dataprocessing systems, and more particularly to support mechanisms forsupporting display devices for computers or data processing systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The advent of flat panel display devices has revolutionized thearchitecture and aesthetic appearance of computers. Lightweight andversatile, flat panel display devices (FPDDs) may be mounted almostanywhere. A variety of mechanical support devices have been designed tohold FPDDs in suitable viewing positions.

[0004] Many FPDDs are supported by rigid assemblies or mechanisms whichmay be affixed to furniture, walls, or ceilings. Recently, semi-moveablesupport devices (e.g. swing arm devices) have made their debut. Suchdevices are typically hinged in one or more places, and their displayends may be equipped with swivel joints. Though offering a greaternumber of viewing positions, semi-moveable support devices often provedifficult to adjust, and routing data and power cables along exteriorportions of the devices can mar aesthetic appearances.

[0005] In many semi-moveable support devices, two hands are required toadjust the display's viewing position. Typically, one hand supports theFPDD while the other manipulates a locking device on a hinged joint.Twist-and-lock swivel joints have a knob or handle which may be rotatedin one direction to increase the holding friction, or in the oppositedirection to decrease holding friction. Increasing the holding frictionlocks the support device in a desired position. Similarly, decreasingthe holding friction allows the swivel joint to move freely through apredetermined range of movement.

[0006] Twist-and-lock swivel joints are effective, but awkward to use,and difficult to break free if overtightened. On the other hand, ifundertightened, twist-and-lock swivel joints will allow a supported FPDDto sag and droop. Moreover, it is not uncommon for a semi-moveablesupport device to have a plurality of twist-and-lock swivel joints,which makes it virtually impossible for a single user to tighten orloosen all the joints simultaneously. With a plurality of swivel joints,adjustment times are considerably lengthened because the swivel jointsmust be adjusted individually.

[0007] A swivel ball joint (e.g. gimbal) affixed to the display end ofthe arm mechanism allows a supported FPDD to be tilted or angled asdesired. Because the holding friction exerted by the swivel ball jointis more or less constant, the user force needed to tilt the FPDDsometimes dislodges the support arm mechanism from its fixed position.Set screws may be provided to adjust a swivel joint's applied holdingfriction. However, one shortcoming of swivel joints equipped with setscrews is that movement of the joints often feels rough, gritty, orratchety.

[0008] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a set of picturesillustrating exemplary environments in which support mechanisms for flatpanel display devices (FPDDS) may be used. As shown in picture 110, flatscreen monitor arms are used in offices, schools, universities,government agencies, and other environments to provide adjustablesupport and correct length between the display and the viewer. As shownin picture 111, additional mounting solutions may be provided toincorporate FPDDs into corporate environments such as banks, financialinstitutions, trade and brokerage companies, and similar businesses.

[0009]FIG. 1B illustrates two further pictures illustrating additionalenvironments in which FPDDs may be used. Picture 112 shows that FPDDsmay be used in industrial areas such as manufacturing facilities,production lines, and assembly lines. Picture 113 represents the use offlat panel display devices in hospitals, health care facilities, andmedical centers. In each case, the FPDD is attached to a moveablesupport device that is fixedly attached to a large, heavy object, suchas the wall or floor of a building.

[0010]FIG. 1C is a diagram of a prior art moveable support device 100.Moveable support device 100 may be attached to a horizontal planarsurface, such as a desktop, using clamp 106, which adjusts toaccommodate different thicknesses of various support surfaces. The baseof moveable support device 100 includes a housing 105, which is aremoveable cosmetic covering that conceals a hollow screw mechanism usedto affix clamp 106 to a support surface. The base of moveable supportdevice 100 includes a cylindrical steel rod that removably slides withinthe hollow screw mechanism described above. In the embodiment shown, anarc of vertical movement measuring approximately 72.5 degrees may beprovided by turn and lock swivel joint 103. Similarly, a second arc ofvertical movement measuring approximately 115.0 degrees may be providedby turn and lock swivel joint 107.

[0011] Moveable support device 100 is made up of three arm members 101,102, and 117, connected to each other by two twist and lock swiveljoints 107 and 103. A ball swivel joint (e.g. gimbal) 108 attached tothe display end of arm member 101 provides a supported FPDD 109 with anarc of movement, measuring in one dimension, approximately 78.0 degrees.The weight of the supported FPDD 109 is counterbalanced using aninternal spring and pulley mechanism (not shown). Cables 120 and 121,which provide power and data, respectively, to FPDD 109, are attached tothe exterior of moveable support device 100 using a plurality ofretention guides 123. The various components of moveable support device100 are manufactured from various materials, including, but not limitedto: metals, plastics, and composite materials.

[0012]FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating a prior art gooseneck lamp 118.However, the inclusion of this lamp is not to be construed as anadmission that lamps are analogous art to the present invention.Typically, components of lamp 118 include a weighted or magnetic base116, a hollow, moveable assembly portion 115, and a bulb housing 114. Anelectrical wire may run inside or outside the neck portion 115.Typically, the weight of bulb housing 114 is negligible compared to theweight of the base 116 and of the neck portion 115 itself. Otherwise,neck portion 115 would droop, or lamp 118 would topple over.

[0013] In most cases, neck portion 115 is manufactured of a jointed,spiral-cut metal skin that is easily flexed into one of a number ofdesired positions. A plurality of plastic or metal ball-and-socketassemblies may be used to form neck portion 115. Where ball-and-socketassemblies are used, the holding force may be provided by a tensioncable running through the ball-and-socket assemblies that loops about acam attached to a twist-lever disposed on or near the base 116. Twistingthe twist-lever in one direction stretches the cable and stiffens neckportion 115. Twisting the twist-lever in the opposite direction relaxesthe cable, thereby dissolving the holding force, and allowing the neckportion 115 to collapse.

[0014] The ball-and-socket assemblies may be formed of either metal orplastic, but metal is typically used because it is stronger and moredurable than plastic. A problem with prior art ball-and-socketassemblies is that the friction provided by a metal ball mating with ametal socket will not sustain heavy loads. While capable of supporting alightbulb or other small lightweight object, prior art ball-and-socketassemblies are simply incapable of supporting large heavy objects, suchas FPDDs, which typically weigh in excess of two pounds.

SUMMARY

[0015] The present invention is a computer controlled display device. Inone embodiment, the display device includes a flat panel display havingan input for receiving display data. Additionally, a moveable assemblymay be coupled to the display. The moveable assembly may provide atleast three degrees of freedom of movement for the flat panel displaydevice. Additionally, the moveable assembly may have a cross-sectionalarea, which is substantially less than a cross-sectional area of adisplay structure of the flat panel display. Other embodiments andaspects of the invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Various aspects of the present invention are set forth in thefollowing drawings in which:

[0017]FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a moveable support device,common in the prior art, and used to support a computer display in ahome or office environment, or in a corporate environment.

[0018]FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a prior art wall mounted supportdevice for displaying computer displays in a manufacturing or industrialenvironment, or in a medical environment.

[0019]FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a side view of the prior artmoveable support device 110 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0020]FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating a side view of a prior artgooseneck lamp.

[0021]FIG. 1E is a diagram of a conventional computer system which maybe used with a moveable support device and flat panel display device(FPDD), according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 2A is a cut-away, perspective view of a moveable assembly andactuator assembly for supporting a FPDD, according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

[0023]FIG. 2B is a rear view of the actuator assembly and moveableassembly shown in FIG. 2A (without the base), according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 2C is a plan view of the actuator assembly and moveableassembly shown in FIG. 2A (without the base), according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2D is a side view of the actuator assembly and moveableassembly shown in FIG. 2A (without the base), according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the overturning moments of acomputer display coupled with a moveable assembly and a base, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

[0027]FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a sectional side view of theactuator assembly and moveable assembly, according to another embodimentof the invention.

[0028]FIG. 4B is an exploded side view of a portion of a moveableassembly in a relaxed state, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0029]FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a moveable assembly 500,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030]FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are perspective views of the moveable assembly500 shown in FIG. 5A.

[0031]FIG. 5D is a sectional view of one embodiment of a moveableassembly 500 showing the internal placement of a tension cable 590.

[0032]FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of a portion 560 of a moveableassembly usable with an embodiment of the present invention showing theplacement of data, tension, torsion, power, antenna, and other computersystem related cables within one or more apertures of the moveableassembly.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective, exploded view of an actuator assembly andmoveable assembly, according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 7A is a sectional side view of an actuator assembly in afirst tensioned position, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0035]FIG. 7B is a sectional side view of an actuator assembly in asecond untensioned position, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0036]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an actuator housing, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 9B is another view of the actuator housing of FIG. 9A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 9C is a plan view of the actuator housing of FIG. 9A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the actuator housing of FIG.9A taken along the lines A-A in FIG. 9C, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0041]FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the actuator housing of FIG.9A taken along the line B-B in FIG. 9C, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0042]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a crank, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 10B is a plan view of the crank of FIG. 10A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 10C is a side view of the crank of FIG. 1A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the crank of FIG. 1A, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a tongue, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a tongue of FIG. 11A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 11C is a top view of a tongue of FIG. 11A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 11D is an end view of a tongue of FIG. 11A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a spring shaft, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 12B is a side view of the spring shaft of FIG. 12A, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052]FIG. 12C is a sectional view of the spring shaft of FIG. 12A takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 12B, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0053]FIG. 12D is an end view of the spring shaft of FIG. 12A, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a strut, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 13B is a plan view of the strut of FIG. 13A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 13C is a sectional view of the strut of FIG. 13A taken alongthe line A-A in FIG. 13B, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0057]FIG. 13D is an end view of the strut of FIG. 13A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0058]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a shaft, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 14B is a side view of the shaft of FIG. 14A, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0060]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a display termination socket,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061]FIG. 15B is a sectional view of the display termination socket ofFIG. 15A taken along the line A-A in FIG. 15C.

[0062]FIG. 15C is a plan view of the display termination socket of FIG.15A according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063]FIG. 16 is a diagram of a tension cable, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0064]FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a friction limit socket,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065]FIG. 17B is a plan view of a friction limit socket of FIG. 17A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 17C is a sectional view of the friction limit socket of FIG.17A, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a limit ball, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0068]FIG. 18B is a plan view of the limit ball of FIG. 18A, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069]FIG. 18C is a sectional view of the limit ball of FIG. 18A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a friction socket assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071]FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a first friction insert,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072]FIG. 19C is a sectional side view of the friction insert of FIG.19A taken along the line A-A in FIG. 19F.

[0073]FIG. 19D is a top view of the friction insert of FIG. 19A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074]FIG. 19E is a side view of the friction insert of FIG. 19A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075]FIG. 19F is a bottom view of the friction insert of FIG. 19A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076]FIG. 19G is a perspective view of a second friction insert of FIG.19A, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077]FIG. 19H is a sectional side view of the friction insert of FIG.19G taken along the line A-A in FIG. 19K, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0078]FIG. 19I is a top view of the friction insert of FIG. 19G,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079]FIG. 19J is a side view of the friction insert of FIG. 19G,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080]FIG. 19K is a bottom view of the friction insert of FIG. 19G,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a friction assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082]FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a base termination ball,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083]FIG. 21B is a bottom view of the base termination ball of FIG. 21Aaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084]FIG. 21C is a sectional view of the base termination ball of FIG.21A taken along the line A-A, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0085]FIGS. 22A-22C are side views showing examples of moveableassemblies which incorporate aspects of the present invention.

[0086]FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a computer system 2300 having abase 2305 and a moveable assembly 2304 that supports flat panel displaydevice 2301.

[0087]FIG. 23B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a computercontrolled display device including a FPDD 2301 coupled with a moveableassembly 2304, which is coupled with a base 2305.

[0088]FIG. 23C is a side view of the computer system 2300 shown in FIGS.23A and 23B, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0089]FIG. 23D is a rear-view of the computer system 2300 shown in FIGS.23A-23C, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0090]FIG. 23E is a front view of the computer system 2300 of FIGS.23A-23D, according to one embodiment of the invention, and showing FPDD2301, viewing surface 2302, and base 2305.

[0091]FIG. 23F is another side view of the computer system 2300 of FIGS.23A-23E, according to one embodiment of the invention, and showing FPDD2301, actuator assembly 2306, moveable assembly 2304, and base 2305.

[0092]FIG. 23G is a side view of another embodiment of a moveableassembly 2302 coupled with a FPDD 2310 and with an actuator assembly2300A, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0093]FIG. 24A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tongue2400, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094]FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of a tongue of FIG. 24A,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0095]FIG. 24C is a top view of a tongue of FIG. 24A, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0096]FIG. 24D is an end view of a tongue of FIG. 24A, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0097]FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a spherical glide bearing 2500,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0098]FIG. 25B is a bottom view of a spherical glide bearing 2500according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0099]FIG. 25C is a side view of a spherical glide bearing of FIG. 25A,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0100]FIG. 25D is a top view of a spherical glide bearing of FIG. 25A,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0101]FIG. 25E is a sectional side view of a spherical glide bearing ofFIG. 25A, taken along the line A-A in FIG. 25D.

[0102]FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a socket glide bearing,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0103]FIG. 26B is a side view of a socket glide bearing, according toone embodiment of the invention.

[0104]FIG. 26C is a plan view of a socket glide bearing of FIG. 26A,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0105]FIG. 26D is a cross-sectional view of a socket glide bearing ofFIG. 26A taken along the line A-A in FIG. 26C, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0106]FIG. 27A is an exploded perspective view of a socket assembly2700, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0107]FIG. 27B is cross-sectional view of an assembled socket assemblyof FIG. 27A, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0108]FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of an actuator assembly2800, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0109]FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a socket assembly 2900,according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0110]FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of a socket assembly 2900 ofFIG. 29A, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0111]FIG. 29C is a detailed view of area A circled in FIG. 29B.

[0112]FIG. 30A is a perspective view of a spring shaft assembly 3000,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0113]FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view of a spring shaft assembly 3000of FIG. 30A, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0114]FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a friction limit socket,according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0115]FIG. 31B is a top view of a friction limit socket of FIG. 31A,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0116]FIG. 31C is a cross-sectional view of a friction limit socket ofFIG. 31A, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0117]FIG. 31D is a detailed view of an area A circled in FIG. 31C,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0118]FIG. 32A is a perspective view of a tension cable assembly 3200,according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0119]FIG. 33A is a perspective frontal view of a computer system 3300including a flat panel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupledwith a moveable assembly 3302, according to another embodiment of theinvention.

[0120]FIG. 33B is perspective rear view of a computer system 3300including a flat panel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupledwith a moveable assembly 3302, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0121]FIG. 33C is a side view of a computer system 3300 including a flatpanel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0122]FIG. 33D is a front view of a computer system 3300 including aflat panel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0123]FIG. 33E is a rear view of a computer system 3300 including a flatpanel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0124]FIG. 33F is another side view of a computer system 3300 includinga flat panel display 3310 and moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0125]FIG. 34 depicts a simplified sectional side view of a computersystem 3400 usable with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126]FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of themoveable assembly 3401 of FIG. 34.

[0127]FIG. 36 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of abase rotation assembly 3600, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0128]FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a display mountingassembly 3700, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0129]FIG. 38 is an exploded, perspective view of a moveable assembly3800, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0130]FIG. 39A is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of aspring assembly 3900, according to one embodiment of the invention,showing various internal component parts associated therewith.

[0131]FIG. 39B is a perspective view of an assembled spring assembly3900, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0132]FIG. 40 is a force diagram illustrating one embodiment of acomputer system 4000 that includes a base 4030 attached to one end of amoveable assembly 4040 and a flat panel display device 4050 attached tothe other end of the moveable assembly 4040, in which a display weight4010 is counterbalanced using a spring force 4020.

[0133]FIG. 41 is a graph depicting illustrative counter-balance sum ofmoments for a moveable assembly, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0134]FIG. 42 is a graph depicting illustrative counter-balance sum ofmoments with error bars for a moveable assembly, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0135]FIG. 43A depicts one embodiment of a counterbalance adjustmentmechanism in a first position.

[0136]FIG. 43B depicts one embodiment of a counterbalance adjustmentmechanism in a second position.

[0137]FIG. 44 is a graph depicting counter-balance with manufacturingerror bars after tuning for a moveable assembly, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0138]FIG. 45 is a graph depicting the pitch counter-balance sum ofmoments for one embodiment of a moveable assembly.

[0139]FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the moveable assembly 3401 ofFIG. 34, showing placement of data, power, and other computersystem-related cables therein, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0140]FIG. 47 is a side view of one embodiment of a computer controlleddisplay system.

[0141]FIG. 48A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a link 4801 ofthe moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47.

[0142]FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional side view of link 4801 taken alongthe line A-A in FIG. 48A.

[0143]FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a link4901 and a brake assembly 4914.

[0144]FIG. 50A is a side view of one embodiment of a ball-and-socketassembly 5001 of the moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47.

[0145]FIG. 50B is a cross-sectional side view of ball-and-socketassembly 5001 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 50A.

[0146]FIG. 51A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of analternative configuration of a bladder 5103 within a ball-and-socketassembly 5100.

[0147]FIG. 51B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of analternative configuration of a bladder 5113 within a ball-and-socketassembly 5110.

[0148]FIG. 52A is a side view of one embodiment of a ball-and-socketassembly 5201 of the moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47.

[0149]FIG. 52B is a cross-sectional side view of ball-and-socketassembly 5201 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 52A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0150] An apparatus and method for supporting flat panel display devicesis disclosed. In the following detailed description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that these specific details need not be used topractice the present invention. In other circumstances, well-knownstructures, materials, or processes have not been shown or described indetail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0151]FIG. 1E depicts one embodiment of a conventional computer systemthat may be used with a display device as described herein. The computersystem 151 interfaces to external systems through a modem or networkinterface 167. It will be appreciated that the modem or networkinterface 167 may be considered part of computer system 151. Thisinterface 167 may be an analog modem, an ISDN modem, a cable modem, anEthernet interface, a satellite transmission interface (e.g. Direct PC),or other network interface for coupling a digital processing system toother digital systems (e.g. the interface 167 couples computer system151 to a local computer network or to the internet).

[0152] The computer system 151 includes a processor 153 which may be aconventional processor, such as a Motorola Power PC microprocessor or anIntel Pentium microprocessor. Memory 155 is coupled to processor 153 bythe bus 157. Memory 155 may be dynamic random access memory (DRAM) andmay also include static RAM (SRAM). The bus 157 couples the processor153 to the memory 155 and also to mass memory 163 and to displaycontroller 159 and to the I/O (input/output) controller 165. Displaycontroller 159 controls in the conventional manner a display on the FPDD161, which may be a liquid crystal display device or other flat paneldisplay device (e.g. organic light emitting diode display, vacuumfluorescent on silicon display, field emissive display, plasma display,etc.). The display controller 159 is coupled to the display 161 througha cable 160, which in one embodiment provides display data and power andcontrol signals between the display 161 and the display controller 159.

[0153] The input/output devices 169 may include a keyboard, disk drives,printers, a scanner, a digital camera, and other input and outputdevices, including a mouse or other pointing device. The displaycontroller 159 and the I/O controller 165 may be implemented withconventional well-known technology. The mass memory 163 is often amagnetic hard disk, an optical disk, or other form of storage for largeamounts of data. Some of this data is often written, by a direct memoryaccess process, into memory 155 during the execution of software in thecomputer system 151. It will be appreciated that the computer system 151is one example of many possible computer systems which have differentarchitectures. For example, Macintosh or Wintel systems often havemultiple buses, at least one of which may be considered to be aperipheral bus.

[0154] Network computers may also be considered to be a computer systemwhich may be used with the various display devices described herein.Network computers may not include a hard disk or other mass storage, andthe executable programs are loaded from a network connection (e.g.through network interface 167) into the memory 155 for execution by theprocessor 153. A Web TV system, which is well-known in the art, may beconsidered to be a computer system according to the present invention,but it may not include certain features shown in FIG. 2B, such ascertain input/output devices.

[0155] A cell phone, a personal digital assistant, or a digital camerahaving a suitable display interface (to couple to a display device asdescribed herein) and a processor and memory may also be considered tobe a digital processing system or a computer system which may be usedwith the present invention. A typical computer system will usuallyinclude at least a processor, a memory, and a bus coupling the memory tothe processor. It will also be appreciated that computer system 151 istypically controlled by an operating system software which includes afile management system and a disk operating system.

[0156] Referring again to FIGS. 1E and 2A, in one embodiment of theinvention, certain elements of the computer system 151 (e.g. processor153, memory 155, bus 157, mass memory 163, display controller 159, I/Ocontroller 165, an optical drive (not shown), and possibly alsointerface 167) are housed in a moveable enclosure 242A which is coupledto the base 242 of the moveable assembly (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D asmoveable assembly 200). The opposite end of the moveable assembly iscoupled with a FPDD (e.g. display 240, which corresponds to display161). In this one embodiment, a cable is disposed within an interiorportion of the moveable assembly 200 and couples the display 240 to thedisplay controller 159, which provides display data to the display 240through the cable 160. The cable may also provide power and the controlsignals (if any, such as brightness or contrast signals sent by an inputdevice on the FPDD 240 to the system 151) to the FPDD 240.

[0157] In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the moveable enclosure 242A issmall enough and light enough to be picked up and moved by a singleadult person, and yet is heavy enough to support the FPDD 240 at variousdifferent positions without tipping. The moveable enclosure 242A neednot be physically attached (e.g. by clamps or adhesive or otherfixtures) to a support surface (such as a desk, shelf, counter, ortable) because its size, weight, and shape are sufficient to support themoveable assembly 200 and FPDD 240 at various positions without tipping.

[0158] It will be appreciated that the size, shape, and weight ofmoveable enclosure 242A vary according to the length of the moveableassembly 200 and the weight and size of the FPDD to be supported.Illustratively, a FPDD 240 may measure approximately 6.0 inches or more,as measured diagonally across its viewing surface from one corner to anopposite corner, and may weigh approximately 1.5 pounds or more.

[0159] Regardless of the embodiment, the size, shape, and weight ofmoveable enclosure 242A should be selected such that no tipping occurswhen the moveable assembly 200 is bent approximately ninety degrees fromvertical. Preferably, no tipping occurs when a downward user force ofapproximately 2.0 lbs to approximately 3.0 lbs is applied to FPDD 240when moveable assembly 200 is bent approximately ninety degrees fromvertical.

[0160] In one embodiment, the bottom surface area of moveable enclosure242A measures in the range of approximately 0.5 square feet toapproximately 4.0 square feet. The system is designed to support a FPDD240 weighing in the range of approximately 5.0 lbs to approximately 6.0lbs, at approximately 25.0 lbs of user force. Illustratively, the lengthof the moveable assembly 200 may range from approximately 7.0 inches toapproximately 48.0 inches.

[0161] In another embodiment, where moveable assembly 200 and/or display240 are remotely (e.g. wirelessly or otherwise) coupled with moveableenclosure 242A, the base 242 of moveable assembly 200 may be clamped orotherwise fastened to a ground surface or an overhead surface. Base 242of moveable assembly 200 may also be clamped or otherwise fastened to asubstantially planar surface (e.g. desktop) or vertical surface (e.g.wall or side of a desk). Remote coupling may be accomplished using awireless system or using extended lengths of power and data cables.

[0162] Still referring to FIG. 2A, moveable assembly 200 may be coupledwith FPDD 240, as shown. Components of moveable assembly 200 mayinclude: an actuator assembly 202, a display termination ball 222; afriction limit ball 226; a base 242; and a plurality of cables 234,including a tension cable, anti-torsion cable, data, microphone, powersupply cables, and other cables.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 2A, actuator assembly 202 may be centrally andfixedly coupled with a backside of flat panel display device (FPDD) 240using any of a number of suitable attachment methods (e.g. bolts, welds,adhesives, etc.) well-known in the art. Actuator assembly 202 isprovided to reduce the amount of user force needed to collapse themoveable assembly. Typically, a user force of approximately 180 poundsto approximately 400 pounds is required. However, actuator assembly 202reduces this force to an amount easily provided by an adult user (e.g.approximately 10.0 pounds to approximately 30.0 pounds). In the views ofFIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 4A, and 4B, several of the ball-and-socketcomponents are not shown in order to provide views of the cables whichare within the ball-and-socket components.

[0164] Actuator assembly 202 may be wholly contained within a housing ofFPDD 240 such that handle 241 may afterwards be coupled with a componentof actuator assembly 202 via insertion through an opening in thehousing. Handle 241 may be formed of a single piece or of multiplepieces of a stiff, durable material such as metal, plastic, or acomposite material. Exemplary metals include steel, aluminum, titanium,and alloys thereof.

[0165] In one embodiment, a proximal end of handle 241 may be shaped toinclude (or may be coupled with) a finger support member 260, whichprovides a first compression surface. Finger support member 260 may bemade of the same or a different material that comprises the remainder ofhandle 241, and may take any suitable aesthetic or ergonomic shape,size, or contour. Similarly, a distal end of handle 241 may be pivotablycoupled with one or more components of actuator assembly 202 such thathandle 241 functions as a lever arm. As shown in FIG. 2A, handle 241 isangled away from the backside of FPDD 240 such that the proximal end ofhandle 241 is positioned near an edge of FPDD 240. In one embodiment,the edge may be the left-hand edge of FPDD 240 as viewed from the back(e.g. right-hand edge as viewed from the front).

[0166] In one embodiment, a tension cable, coupled at one end with base242 and coupled with a component of the actuator assembly 202 at theother, functions to keep the balls 226 and sockets 227 generallyaligned. When tensed as shown in FIG. 2A, the tension cable locks themoveable assembly 200 in a desired viewing position by forcibly pressingballs 226 against friction inserts in sockets 227. Pulling the proximalend of handle 241 towards the backside of FPDD 240, relaxes the tauttension cable such that spring activated plungers in sockets 227 liftballs 226 away from the friction inserts to allow moveable assembly 200to be manipulated into a desired configuration. Once achieved, thedesired configuration may be “frozen” or locked into position simply byreleasing handle 241.

[0167] In one embodiment, a user may adjust the viewing position of FPDD240 by grasping the left-hand and right-hand edges of FPDD 240 with bothhands. The user's palms may rest on portions of the front surface ofFPDD 240, with the fingers of each hand naturally curling behind FPDD240 to rest on either its backside or on the finger support member 260.Assuming an embodiment like that shown in FIG. 2A, the user may relaxmoveable assembly 200 by compressing the fingers of the right-handagainst the first compression surface, which is the finger supportmember 260 previously described, while simultaneously compressing thepalm of the right hand against a second compression surface, which is aportion of the front surface 240A of FPDD 240. This compressing movesthe proximal end of handle 241 from a first tensioned position towardsthe back of the FPDD 240, while simultaneously moving the handle'sdistal end away from the back of FPDD 240. As the distal end moves awayfrom the back of FPDD 240, the tensioned cable relaxes and the formerlyrigid moveable assembly becomes flexible.

[0168] Once moveable assembly 200 is relaxed, the user may adjust theviewing position of FPDD 240 using one or both hands. For example, inanother embodiment, the user may compress handle 241 with one hand,while manipulating moveable assembly 200 with the other. A desiredviewing position may be locked in place by opening the fingers of thehand compressing the handle to allow the handle 241 to move from asecond relaxed position back to the first tensioned position.

[0169] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a back view of moveable assembly 200 isshown. In this view, it can be seen that display termination ball 222and actuator assembly 202, in one embodiment, are positionedsubstantially in the center of the back of FPDD 240 in order to providean axis of rotation substantially near FPDD 240's center-of-mass. Inother embodiments, display termination ball 222 and actuator assembly202 may be non-centrally positioned on the back surface of FPDD 240. Asshown in FIG. 2B, the outermost edge of handle 241 may be substantiallycoterminous with an edge of FPDD 240, or not.

[0170] Referring now to FIG. 2C, there is shown, according to oneembodiment of the invention, a plan view of FPDD 240 and moveableassembly 200. The gap 290 between handle 241 and a back surface of FPDD240 is more clearly shown. In one embodiment, this distance measuresapproximately 50.0 mm to approximately 70.0 mm. Gas 290 represents thedistance through which handle 241 moves during a power stroke (e.g.depressing the handle to release the tension holding the FPDD 240). Inanother embodiment, where actuator assembly 202 is enclosed within ahousing of FPDD 240, the gap may measure approximately 50.0 mm toapproximately 70.0 mm. The size of gap 290 may be determined based onthe average measurements of an adult human hand, which average may becalculated from combined measurements of approximately 10 adult male andapproximately 10 adult female hands. Optimally, the size of gap 290should fall within the range of an adult human's maximum gripping power.Additionally, the size of gap 290 and the length of handle 241 should becoordinated to yield a maximum power stroke from a minimal applied userforce. In one embodiment, the applied user force is within the range ofapproximately 10.0 to approximately 45.0lbs. However, futuredevelopments in technology may reduce the amount of applied user forceto approximately 10.0 pounds or less. It will be appreciated that suchdevelopments are to be construed as falling within the scope of thepresent invention.

[0171] Referring now to FIG. 2D, there is shown, according to oneembodiment of the invention, a side view of moveable assembly 200. Asshown in FIG. 2D, moveable assembly 200 may be positioned in a varietyof sculpted, curved, bent, or spiral positions. As evident from theabove Figures, the cable path length of the centrally-positioned tensioncable remains substantially constant when moveable assembly 200 is bentor curved. However, the path length of data and power supply cables mayvary because they pass through cable guides that are locatednon-centrally within the interior of balls 226. Accordingly, anadditional length of cable slack approximately equal to about ⅓ of thetension cable length may be included within the moveable assembly 200for the data and power supply cables. In other embodiments, where theFPDD's power supply is self contained or wirelessly broadcast, and/orwhere the FPDD's data transmissions are wirelessly broadcast, moveableassembly 200 may contain only tension, torsion, and power cables.

[0172] It can be seen from FIGS. 2B,2C, and 2D that the display surfacearea 240A of the FPDD 240 (which is usually most (e.g. more than 75%) ofthe surface area of the front surface of the FPDD) is substantiallylarger (e.g. at least 10 times larger) than a cross-sectional area ofthe moveable assembly 200 (which may be referred to as a neck). Thiscross-sectional area is a cross-section of the moveable assembly takenperpendicularly relative to the length of the moveable assembly (e.g.the cross section obtained at line 2D-2D shown in FIG. 2D). Thiscross-sectional area is typically a small fraction (e.g. about {fraction(1/50)} to about ⅙) of the display surface area 240A. It will beappreciated that the display surface area is the surface on which thedisplay data (e.g. a graphical user interface such as the Macintosh OS Xor Windows 2000) is displayed to a user of the computer system.

[0173] Overturning Momements and General System Data

[0174] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a diagram of exemplarytorques and overturning moments associated with one embodiment of theinvention. The three components of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3,are the base computer system 310A, the moveable assembly 310B, and theFPDD 310C. The base computer system 310A corresponds to the moveableenclosure 242A, and also includes a base which secures the moveableassembly 310B to the base computer system 310A. The base computer system310A, in one embodiment, includes certain elements of the computersystem (e.g. referring to FIG. 1E, a processor 153, memory 155, bus 157,mass memory 163, I/O controller 165, interface 167, and a CD-ROM driveor other types of optical drives) and is coupled electrically to theFPDD 310C through a power and data cable (or cables), which providespower to the FPDD 310C and provides data for display on the FPDD 310C(and optionally conveys data, such as control signals, from controls onthe FPDD 310C to the computer system in the base computer system 310A.In one embodiment, such cable (or cables) are housed and concealedwithin the interior of moveable assembly 310B and are not normallyvisible to a user.

[0175] The moveable assembly 310B mechanically couples the base computersystem 310A to the FPDD 310C. In one embodiment, this coupling isthrough a series of ball-and-socket joints which are held together by atension cable within the ball-and-socket joints. The moveable assembly310B is mechanically coupled to the base computer system 310A at a baseend of the moveable assembly 310B and is mechanically coupled to theFPDD 310C at a display end of the moveable assembly 310B.

[0176] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3, base radius (rb) 307measures approximately 4.72 inches, while a neck bend radius (RN) 303 ofthe moveable assembly measures approximately 3.00 inches. In oneembodiment, the total length of the moveable assembly measuresapproximately 15.00 inches; the weight of the moveable assembly (Wn) 302measures approximately 1.76 pounds; the weight of FPDD and actuatormechanism (Wd) 301 measures approximately 5.00 pounds; and the weight ofthe base (Wb) 304 measures approximately 12.00 pounds.

[0177] Using these exemplary measurements, together with an estimateddistance 309 of approximately 13.29 inches, and an estimated distance308 of approximately 6.64 inches, the upward force (Fu) 306 at thedisplay needed to overturn the system is calculated to be approximately9.25 pounds, while the downward force (Fd) 310 needed to overturn iscalculated to be approximately 1.22 pounds. In one embodiment, distance309 is measured from base center-of-mass to display center-of-mass.Similarly, distance 308 is measured from the base's center-of-mass tothe moveable assembly's center-of-mass.

[0178] It will be appreciated that increasing the weight of the basewill tend to improve the stability of the entire assembly. It ispreferable that the base, and the rest of the assembly, should not be soheavy that it cannot be easily moved by a single human user (e.g. anadult user). For example, it is preferable that the whole assemblyshould be less than about 45 pounds (lbs) and have a footprint on thesurface on which it rests of less than about four (4) square feet.Normally, the weight and size of the base (including the base computersystem) are designed, as described herein, to counterbalance the weightof the moveable assembly and FPDD 310C so that the FPDD 310C can beselectively positioned at many possible positions (X, Y, Z, pitch, yaw,roll), and the whole assembly is still stable (e.g. does not tip oroverturn). Thus, there is no need, normally, to require the basecomputer system to be fixedly attached to the surface on which it rests;no clamps or suction or adhesive are, in a preferred embodiment,normally needed to maintain stability of the entire assembly.

[0179] Display

[0180] In one embodiment, the FPDD 240 illustratively shown in FIGS.2A-2D, is a 15 inch LCD panel having a target weight of approximately4.20 pounds (1.94 kg). The 15.0 inch length is a diagonal distancemeasured from one corner of the viewing area to an opposite corner.

[0181] Moveable Assembly (E.G. Neck Member)

[0182] In one embodiment, the weight of the moveable assembly 200 shownin FIGS. 2A-2D is approximately 2.0 pounds (0.907 kg), including theballs, sockets, and cables. In one embodiment, the overall articulationlength (as measured along a longitudinal dimension of the member 200) ofmoveable assembly 200 is approximately 15.5 inches (39.37 cm), and itsmaximum cantilever distance is approximately 13.5 inches (34.29 cm). Themoveable assembly 200 provides the ability to move the FPDD in at leastthree degrees of freedom and preferably six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z,pitch, yaw, and roll). Another example of a moveable assembly isdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/035,417 entitled“COMPUTER CONTROLLED DISPLAY DEVICE,” filed Nov. 8, 2001, the contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0183] Ball-and-Socket Data

[0184] In one embodiment, there are 10 sockets, 9 articulated balls, and2 fixed termination balls. The diameter of each ball measuresapproximately 38.00 mm, and the target articulation angle betweensegments measures ±14 degrees.

[0185] Tension Cable Data

[0186] In one embodiment, {fraction (3/16)} inch stainless steelaircraft cable having 7×19 construction (e.g. 0.01 inch strands) is usedfor the tension cable previously described. The tension cable may becovered in a nylon jacket to approximately 0.25 inch diameter, and maybe equipped with a ball shank ferrule on the actuator mechanism end andalso equipped with a stop ferrule on the base end. Because the tensioncable is centrally positioned within the interior of the moveableassembly, it will be appreciated that the tension cable path lengthremains substantially constant. It will also be appreciated that thetension cable is not limited to a particular length, but that the lengthof the tension cable may vary depending on the length of the moveableassembly. (e.g. in one embodiment, the tension cable may beapproximately 398.90 mm long).

[0187] On the other hand, because data, power, microphone, and othercomputer system-related cables are routed along the outer interiorregions of the moveable assembly, it will be appreciated that the pathlength of these cables is not constant, but changes as the moveableassembly is twisted or bent. Accordingly, additional lengths of data,power, and communications cables may be provided to accommodate the pathlength change. Illustratively, the additional lengths may measureapproximately 20% to 30% more than the straight line path length. Thestraight line path length is the path length measured from one end ofthe moveable assembly to the other when the moveable assembly is in asubstantially straight, non-twisted, unbent position.

[0188] Friction Inserts

[0189] In one embodiment, each abrasive socket assembly contains twoabrasive inserts. A first abrasive insert has a base portion containingan internal thread, while the second abrasive insert has a base portionhaving a corresponding external thread. The interior surfaces of theabrasive inserts are concave and may be coated with granular materialssuch as silica, aluminum oxide, or tungsten carbide. In one embodiment,the interior surfaces of the abrasive inserts are brazed with tungstencarbide particles having an approximate grain size of about 0.12 mm. Inthis one embodiment, the friction surface coverage is approximatelyequivalent to #140 grit. Additionally, travel of the annular plungers isapproximately 0.25 mm per interface.

[0190] In a further embodiment, a spherical glide ring may be insertedwithin the socket assembly in place of the abrasive insert.Additionally, one or more rims of the abrasive socket assembly may beequipped with an abrasive ring, as described below.

[0191] Actuator Mechanism

[0192] In one embodiment, a lever ratio of the actuator mechanism isapproximately 11:1; and the mechanism stroke ranges from approximately0.0 mm to approximately 0.7 mm, with an operating range of approximately0.0 mm to approximately 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, the user stroke range(nominal) is approximately 50.0 mm to approximately 70.0 mm. The userforce, in one embodiment may range from approximately 20.0 toapproximately 25.0 pounds. In other embodiments, the user force may beless than approximately 20.0 pounds. The creep adjustment range may beapproximately 3.0 mm. The force adjustment range may be approximately±60.0 pounds (e.g. 0.25 inch adjustment @400 pounds/inch).

[0193] Moveable Enclosure (E.G. Base Computer System):

[0194] In one embodiment, the moveable enclosure has a weight in therange of approximately 12.0 pounds to approximately 13.0 pounds, with afootprint diameter of approximately 240.0 mm. It will be appreciatedthat the base is not limited to one particular size, weight, shape, orappearance. Rather, heavier bases may have smaller footprints, and viceversa. Additionally, the bottom surface of the moveable enclosure may belarger or smaller than the top surface. The bottom of the moveableenclosure may also be equipped with a non-slip surface. In oneembodiment, the non-slip surface may be a tacky, spongy, rubber-likematerial. In another embodiment, the non-slip surface may be a rubbersuction device. In a further embodiment, the non-slip surface may be amagnetic or electromagnetic device. Additionally, the base may beequipped with one or more input devices (e.g. push buttons, touchsensitive buttons, touch sensitive screens, etc.), peripheral ports, orperipheral devices (e.g. DVD and CD-ROM drives, speakers, etc.). Aspreviously described, one or more components of a computer may be housedwithin the moveable enclosure.

[0195] Loads

[0196] It will be appreciated that the moveable assembly 200 is notlimited to supporting a particular load, but that moveable assembly 200may be designed to accommodate a variety of loads. In one embodiment,the moment sum at the base socket is calculated, thus:

Display+Mechanism:5.2 lbs×13.5 inches=70.2 inches*pounds

Moveable Assembly:2.0 lbs×6.5 inches=13.0 inches*pounds

Total:=83.2 inches*pounds.

[0197] In one embodiment, an estimated holding torque at the base isapproximately 125.0 inches*pounds, with an estimated margin ofapproximately 1.5.

[0198] Moveable Assembly Displacement Estimates

[0199] The following table provides exemplary measurements associatedwith one embodiment of the present invention. TABLE 1 Item mm % NotesCable Elastic Stretch @ 0.66 11% Calculated based on datasheets 250 lbfLong Term Stretch 0.20  3% 0.001 inch per inch per VerSales @ 60% ofrated load Compression 1.20  19% Estimate based on experimental dataGeometric Path 0.40  6% Calculated based on geometry Length Change CableBending Stiffness 0.60  10% Estimates based on empirical data ThermalExpansion 0.17  3% Calculated based on 70° C. temperature change PlungerTravel 3.00  48% Based on one embodiment (0.25 mm × 12) Total(Estimated) 6.23 100%

[0200] Assemblies and Components

[0201] Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is shown a cross-sectional topview of a moveable assembly 400, actuator assembly 400A, and FPDD 440,according to one embodiment of the invention. Tension cable 490 runsthrough central portions of balls 426 and terminates at the display endin a ball ferrule 434, which is coupled with distal end of handle 460.In another embodiment, ball ferrule 434 may be coupled with a crank (notshown), which is coupled with handle 460. In FIG. 4A, the distal end ofhandle 460 is coupled with a strut 409, which is coupled with a springor piston assembly 470. The crank, handle 460, strut 409, and spring orpiston assembly 470 are further described below.

[0202] Principle of Operation

[0203] Experiments performed to test the suitability of supportmechanisms highlighted two significant drawbacks: substantial holdingfriction and the need to support the flat panel display device with onehand while manipulating the friction actuating device with the other.Although, gooseneck designs, such as a group of ball-and-socket joints,provide more degrees of freedom and a wider range of viewing positionsthan traditional support mechanisms, they require large amounts ofholding friction to support heavy objects like flat panel displaydevices (FPDD's) in stable positions. Typically, the amount of holdingfriction required is greater than an adult user can overcome (e.g.180-400 lbs or more). In cases where the holding friction is of anamount (e.g. 20-30 lbs) that can be easily overcome by an adult user,the prior art gooseneck-like support mechanisms gradually droop, orsuddenly fail altogether, causing damage to the FPDD.

[0204] In gooseneck designs, where the friction actuating mechanism isdisposed on or near the base of the support mechanism, users mustmanipulate the friction actuating device with one hand whilesimultaneously supporting the FPDD with the other to keep the FPDD fromdropping and being damaged. The disadvantages of such systems are thatthey are awkward and time consuming to use.

[0205] With reference to FIGS. 4, 7A, and 8, operation of the actuatingmechanism leverages conservation of energy principles to reduce theamount of user force required to relax the tensioned moveable assembly(e.g. neck) 400. During assembly, tension cable 490 is stretched with anapplied force (e.g. tension) of approximately 200.00 to approximately400.0 pounds. This applied force compresses resilient members (e.g. wavesprings) 480 and plungers 428 such that balls 426 contact frictioninserts 430 and 431. As the moveable assembly 400 is compressed (e.g.tensioned), kinetic stretching energy associated with an applied userforce is converted to elastic potential energy, which is stored in thetensioned cable 490 and in the wave springs 480.

[0206] Because the tension cable 490 and the wave springs 480 are notmassless and ideal (e.g. having no internal friction when compressed orstretched), a portion of the kinetic stretching energy is “lost” (e.g.converted to other forms of energy, such as heat); however, the overallmechanical energy associated with the system remains constant. Thestretched tension cable 490 and the compressed wave springs 480 (e.g.resilient members) exert a restoring force perpendicular to the distalend of handle 460 that tends to pull the stretched cable back into itsoriginal unstretched position. Because one end of the tension cable isattached to the distal end of handle 460 (e.g. distal end of tongue 705in FIG. 7A), the restoring force tends to pull the handle's (ortongue's) distal end upwards, which tends to move the proximal end ofhandle 460 (or tongue 705) downwards, which tends to move a lower end ofstrut 409 (or 709 in FIG. 7A) laterally against spring/piston assembly470 (or spring assembly 711 in FIG. 7A). Thus, in one embodiment, movingthe actuator from a second state (e.g. the distance separating theactuator handle from the back of the FPDD is minimized) to a first state(e.g. the distance separating the actuator handle from the back of theFPDD is maximized) transfers a portion of the elastic potential energystored in a compressed spring/piston assembly into elastic potentialenergy stored in a tensioned tension cable and in a plurality ofresilient members. At the same time, the remaining stored elasticpotential energy is converted to work done on the user and to kineticenergy of the actuator.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment, the spring constant of spring assembly711 (FIG. 7A) or 811 (FIG. 8) is chosen such that the spring forceexerted by spring or piston assembly 470 (or 711 in FIG. 7A) on strut409 (or on spring shaft 708 and 806 in FIGS. 7A and 8, respectively)equals or slightly exceeds the restoring force exerted by the tensionedcable and wave springs. In this manner, the moveable assembly 400 (FIG.4A) remains compressed and rigid. An illustrative range of springconstants may include: approximately 180.0 lbs/in to approximately 200.0lbs/in, but preferably approximately 190.0 lbs/in.

[0208] Referring back to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, depressingproximal end 451A of handle 460 moves strut 409 laterally to compressspring/piston assembly 470. Simultaneously, the distal end of handle 460moves upwards to relax the tension cable 490 and decompress the wavesprings. Depressing proximal end 451A of handle 460 converts mechanicalenergy (e.g. that provided by the user depressing the handle 451) andpotential energy (e.g. that stored in the tensioned cable and compressedwave springs) into kinetic energy as strut 409 moves laterally tocompress spring/piston assembly 470 (e.g. 711 in FIG. 7A). This kineticenergy is converted into elastic potential energy, which is stored inthe compressed spring/piston assembly 470. Likewise, releasing proximalend 451A of handle 451 converts the spring's stored elastic potentialenergy into kinetic energy as strut 409 moves laterally to depress thedistal end of handle 451. This kinetic energy is stored as potentialenergy in cable 490 is tensioned the wave springs as the moveableassembly is compressed.

[0209] Similar conversions of energy occur with respect to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 7A and 8. These conversions of energy allowthe moveable assembly to wilt instantly upon depression of the proximalend of handle 460 toward the back of the FPDD, and to stiffen instantlyupon release of the proximal end of handle 460. The FPDD, in oneembodiment, may be moved/re-positioned over at least three (and up to asmany as five or six) degrees of freedom from a single actuation (e.g.depression) of the handle (actuator), rather than having to loosen twoor more locks in order to obtain the ability to move the FPDDsimultaneously in more than one degree of freedom.

[0210] It will be appreciated that the energy stored in the tensionedcable 490 and in the compressed wave springs (e.g. resilient members)480 significantly reduces the amount of user force required to compressspring/piston assembly 470 (or spring assembly 711 in FIG. 7A). Forexample, in a preferred embodiment, compression of spring/pistonassembly 470 (or 711) requires an applied user force in the range ofapproximately 10.0 to approximately 30.0 lbs.

[0211] With reference to FIG. 7A, it will also be appreciated that theamount of applied user force required to compress the spring/pistonassembly 470 (or 711) may be further reduced by modifying the angle atwhich the distal end of tongue 705 (or handle 751) connects with tensioncable 709.

[0212] Description of Component Parts

[0213] Referring again to FIG. 4A, spring or piston assembly 470 may beone of a number of suitable pre-manufactured metal springs or gas pistonassemblies known in the art, so long as the spring or piston assembly470 exerts a restoring force of approximately 200.0 pounds/inch. In oneembodiment, the exterior dimensions of spring or piston assembly 470measure approximately 2.0 inches to approximately 2.25 inches long.Illustratively, the restoring force exerted by the spring or pistonassembly 470 may fall within the range of approximately 180.0pounds/inch to approximately 400.0 pounds/inch. In one embodiment, thespring or piston assembly 470 may include a resilient member, which whencompressed, exerts a restoring force tending to return the compressedresilient member to its uncompressed state. Examples of resilientmembers include: metal springs, springs made of composite materials,hydraulic pistons, etc.

[0214] In FIG. 4A, a display termination ball 424, having asubstantially planar mating surface connects moveable assembly 400 toFPDD 440, but any suitable attachment method, such as bolts and/orinterlocking grooves, may be used to attach display termination ball toFPDD 440. Anti-torsion cable 491 may be provided to prevent moveableassembly 400 from over-twisting and stretching the data, microphone,and/or the power supply cables.

[0215] Additional components of the moveable assembly are now described.In one embodiment, the diameter 459 of balls 426 measures approximately38.00 mm, while the diameter 458 of tension cable 490 measuresapproximately 6.25 mm. The center-to-center distance 457 between balls426 measures approximately 36.00 mm; and the height of socket assembly427 may measure approximately 24.00 mm. The length 451 of handle 460,measured from a proximal end 461 to a pivot pin 462 measuresapproximately 169.277 mm. The distance 455, measured from the center oftension cable 490 to the center of pivot pin 462, is approximately15.830 mm; while the distance 454, measured from the center of tensioncable 490 to a proximal end 463 of spring or piston assembly 470, isapproximately 153.60 mm. In one embodiment, width 453 of FPDD 440'sexterior casing measures approximately 21.162 mm. In another embodiment,the power stroke distance 452, measured from proximal end 461 to thefront surface of FPDD 440, is approximately 89.924 mm.

[0216] Referring now to FIG. 4B, there is shown a cross-sectional viewof moveable assembly 400. As shown, tension cable 490 runs through cableguides in the center of balls 426, and anti-torsion cable 439 runsthrough cable guides spaced apart from the center of balls 426. As shownin FIG. 4B, balls 426 and sockets 427 may bend approximately ±14.0degrees to curve moveable assembly 400 into a desired shape. However, inother embodiments, balls 426 and sockets 427 may bend a greater orlesser amount.

[0217] Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown a side view of anassembled moveable assembly 500, including actuator assembly 502 (butwithout the FPDD and the base of the moveable assembly and the basecomputer display). In one embodiment, the length 551 of moveableassembly as measured from surface 503 of base termination ball 533 tosurface 504 of display termination ball 522, measures approximately397.00 mm.

[0218]FIGS. 5B and 5C show perspective views of one embodiment ofmoveable assembly 500.

[0219]FIGS. 5A-5C show the moveable assembly with all of theball-and-socket components (and hence the data, tension, power, andanti-torsion cables are concealed).

[0220]FIG. 5D is a sectional view of one embodiment of a moveableassembly 500 showing the internal placement of a tension cable 590.Moveable assembly 500 includes socket assemblies 570A and 570B, and aball 560 having a first hollow cavity 551 and a second hollow cavity 552separated by a central wall in which are located an annular ring 598,bore 516, and bore 510, each of which extend from one side of thecentral wall to the other. In one embodiment, the inside surfaces 598Aand 598B of annular ring 598 are bowed slightly to taper outwards suchthat the sliding friction between a tension cable 590 passing throughthe interior of annular ring 598 is minimized. Bores 510 and 516 containa torsion cable, not shown, which prevents data and power cables (notshown) contained within other bores (not shown) from being damaged orstretched by over-rotation. As shown in previous figures, frictionsocket assembly 570A includes a first plunger 592A, a resilient member594A, and a second plunger 596A. Similarly, friction socket assembly570B includes a first plunger 592B, a resilient member 594B, and asecond plunger 596B.

[0221]FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of a portion 560 of a moveableassembly usable with an embodiment of the present invention showing theplacement of data, tension, torsion, power, antenna, and other computersystem related cables within one or more apertures 508, 512, 514, 504,506, 520, and 516 of the moveable assembly. In one embodiment, portion560 of the moveable assembly is a friction limit ball, having a wall(e.g. brace) containing a plurality of apertures (or bores) centrallylocated therein. Apertures 510, 516, and 520 are substantially circularin cross-section, while apertures 508, 514, 504, and 506 are irregularlyshaped. Anti-torsion cables 512 and 518 extend through apertures 510 and516, respectively, while torsion cable 590 extends through aperture 520.In one embodiment, one or more of the irregularly shaped apertures mayinclude one or more data, power, antenna, and/or similar computersystem-related cables.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 5E, aperture 508 includes an inverter cable 528and a microphone cable 526, while aperture 514 contains a TransmissionMinimized Differential Signaling (TDMS) cable 524. The inverter cable528 powers the LCD flat panel display, while the TDMS provides datasignals to the flat panel display. The TDMS cable is made up of fourbundles of three wires each. Two wires within each bundle are twin-axial(e.g. helically twisted) signal wires, and the third wire is a drainwire. In one embodiment, the twin axial signal wires and drain wires areindividually insulated with aluminum-mylar. Additionally, a plurality(in one embodiment, three) additional Extended Display IdentificationData (EDID) wires may be included within TDMS cable 524 to provideadditional signals to the flat panel display.

[0223] In an alternate embodiment, a Low Voltage Differential Signaling(LVDS) cable may be used. Low Voltage Differential Signaling is a lownoise, low power, low amplitude method for high-speed (gigabits persecond) data transmission over copper wire. LVDS differs from normalinput/output (I/O) in a few ways: Normal digital I/O works with 5 voltsas a high (binary 1) and 0 volts as a low (binary 0). When adifferential is used, a third option (−5 volts), is added, whichprovides an extra level with which to encode and results in a highermaximum data transfer rate. A higher data transfer rate means fewerwires are required, as in UW (Ultra Wide) and UW-⅔ SCSI hard disks,which use only 68 wires. These devices require a high transfer rate overshort distances. Using standard I/O transfer, SCSI hard drives wouldrequire a lot more than 68 wires. Low voltage means that the standard 5volts is replaced by either 3.3 volts or 1.5 volts.

[0224] LVDS uses a dual wire system, running 180 degrees of each other.This enables noise to travel at the same level, which in turn can getfiltered more easily and effectively. With standard I/O signaling, datastorage is contingent upon the actual voltage level. Voltage level canbe affected by wire length (longer wires increase resistance, whichlowers voltage). But with LVDS, data storage is distinguished only bypositive and negative voltage values, not the voltage level. Therefore,data can travel over greater lengths of wire while maintaining a clearand consistent data stream.

[0225] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an exploded perspectiveview of a moveable assembly 600 and actuator assembly 602, according toone embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, tensioncable 690 terminates at the actuator assembly end in a ball ferrule 634.Socket assembly 627 may be equipped with a wave spring (e.g. resilientmember), plungers, and friction inserts, such that plungers supportablyengaging friction limit ball 626 raise ball 626 from and lower ball 626to a friction insert when the wave spring (e.g. resilient member) iseither expanded or compressed. In one embodiment, moveable assembly 600may have first friction area provided by a sequential series of socketassemblies 627 and a second friction area provided by a sequentialseries of friction limit sockets 625, which are not equipped withfriction inserts, plungers, or wave springs. Instead, friction limitsockets 625 may be cast or machined out of a single material such asaluminum or stainless steel.

[0226] From an engineering point of view, the bottom third of moveableassembly experiences the highest stressing forces, and thus higherfriction surfaces are needed to fix ball 626 in position, than areneeded to fix ball 626A in position. In other embodiments, moveableassembly may be constructed using only friction limit sockets 625, orusing only socket assemblies 627. Alternatively, one or more frictionlimit sockets 625 may be interspersed between two or more socketassemblies 627. In another embodiment, the concave interior contactsurfaces of friction limit sockets 625 may be brazed with tungstencarbide to provide an improved friction surface.

[0227] Referring again to FIG. 6, an anti-torsion cable 639 may beprovided to limit how much moveable assembly 600 may be twisted. Othercomponents of moveable assembly 600 may include a base terminationsocket 637, a base termination ball 633, a tension cable ferrule 635, astrain relief 638 for the data cables, and ferrules 636 for theanti-torsion cable. In one embodiment, strain relief 638 is made ofrubber or plastic.

[0228] Referring now to FIG. 7A there is shown another embodiment of anactuator assembly 702. In this embodiment, an actuator assembly 702 isshown in a first tensioning position. In one embodiment, actuatorassembly includes a tongue 705, a crank 703, a strut 709, a spring shaft708, and a spring assembly 711. Tongue 705 may be coupled to tensioncable ferrule 734 at one end, and coupled via a shaft 713 to a crank703. Proximal end 703A of crank 703 may be angled upwards and coupledwith strut 709, which angles downwards to couple with spring shaft 708via pivot pin 736. Though not shown, a handle may be coupled with crank703 to form an angle 752 with the horizontal.

[0229] In this first tensioning position, the distance 753 between afront surface of actuator assembly 702 and a center of ferrule 734 maymeasure approximately 14.26 mm. A distance 751 measured from the centerof shaft 713 to the center of pivot pin 736 may measure approximately59.75 mm. In one embodiment, the angle 752 at which crank 703 is angledupward from the horizontal may measure approximately 20.4 degrees.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 7B, there is shown a cross-sectional view of anactuator assembly 702 in a second relaxed position, according to oneembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a handle (not shown)coupled with crank 703 has been depressed to flatten crank 703 and strut709 while raising the distal end of tongue 705 to relax the tensionedcable. As a result of this flattening, spring 711 (FIG. 7A) has beencompressed a distance 755, which may measure approximately 15.25 mm inone embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the length 756 ofspring assembly 711 (FIG. 7A) may measure approximately 43.18 mm, andthe distance 754 separating shaft 713 from pivot pin 736 may measureapproximately 69.11 mm. Additionally, the distance 757 separating thecenter of ball ferrule 734 from a front surface of actuator assembly 702may increase to approximately 21.70 mm.

[0231]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of anactuator assembly 802. Actuator housing 807 may be made of any suitabledurable material (e.g. metal, plastic, etc.) known in the manufacturingand computer arts. In one embodiment, housing 807 may be machined from asingle block of aluminum or stainless steel, or cast from a liquid metalor liquid plastic injected or poured into a mold. It will be appreciatedthat the exterior and interior contours and protrusions or intrusions ofhousing 807 may be of any size, shape, or dimension necessary to fit aparticular desired application.

[0232] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a proximal end of housing 807 isblocked, with rounded edges and corners, while a proximal end is roundedand drilled to contain three screw holes 890. Additionally, a lip 891may be formed on the proximal end and bored to allow housing 807 to bebolted to a chassis of a FPDD. In one embodiment, housing 807 isenclosed on three sides with the fourth side left open to allowinsertion of various components and sub-assemblies. The sides andblocked end of housing 807 may contain one or more circular orrectangular orifices through which various components (e.g. spring shaftcap 808, shaft 816, shaft 814, and shaft 813) may be inserted toassemble actuator assembly 802. In one embodiment, spring shaft cap 808covers the end of spring assembly 811, and may be formed of a plastic ormetal using the injection molding or machining processes describedabove.

[0233] Similarly, shafts 813, 814, and 816 may be formed of a metal suchas stainless steel. The ends of shafts 813, 814, and 816 may be threadedto receive a nut, or equipped with an annular groove to receive apressure fitted washer (e.g. retaining rings 817 and 821). Thrust washer818 may be inserted within housing 807, at the blocked end, to provide asupport surface for die spring 811. Spring shaft 806 may be coupled withdie spring 811, and may be formed of a plastic or metal (e.g. stainlesssteel) using injection molding or machining processes well-known in theart.

[0234] As shown in FIG. 8, rounded and narrowed proximal end 806A ofspring shaft 806 may contain an orifice of sufficient size and diameterto receive shaft 813. The outer dimensions of proximal end 806A may suchthat the proximal end 806A slidably fits between a first pair of arms ofH-shaped strut 809. In one embodiment, the first pair of strut armscontain circular orifices corresponding in dimension and placement tocircular orifices in proximal end 806A and housing 807, such that shaft813 may be slid through the aligned orifices to operatively link springshaft 806 with strut 809. Similarly, the other end of strut 809 maycontain a second pair of strut arms that slidably straddle a nubbedportion 803A of crank 803, such that shaft 814, passing through alignedcircular orifices in the second pair of strut arms and in housing base807, operatively couple shaft 809 with crank 803.

[0235] Crank 803 may be formed of plastic or metal (e.g. stainlesssteel) using injection molding or machining processes well known in theart. It will be appreciated that crank 803, like the other components ofactuator assembly 802, is not limited to a particular size, weight,configuration, appearance, or shape. Rather, crank 803 may have anysize, shape, appearance, or configuration necessary to fit a particularapplication. At one end, crank 803 is extruded and narrowed to formnubbed portion 803A, through which a circular orifice is formed. In oneembodiment, a horizontally disposed flat planar surface forming the topof nubbed portion 803A may cascade down into an open portion between twoparallel crank arms, each of which contains an orifice to receive shaft817.

[0236] Formed of a metal (e.g. stainless steel), tongue 805 is an oblongpiece of metal, thick in its central portion and tapering tosubstantially flat ends. Each end may contain a circular orificeextending through its thickness. Similarly, a circular orifice may bebored through the tongue's central portion from one side to the other.The edges of orifice may be recessed such that nylon washers 805A may beinserted into the orifice flush with the outer portions of tongue 805.Tongue 805 may be slidably inserted between the arms of crank 803 suchthat shaft 817 may be inserted through the orifices in housing 807, thecrank arms, and the tongue's central portion, to operatively coupletongue 805 with crank 803. A set screw 819 may be provided to adjust thetilt of tongue 805. Additionally, termination socket 824, equipped withinsert 823, may be used to couple termination ball 822 with the proximalend of housing 807. In another embodiment, a flat base portion ofdisplay termination ball 822 that contains screw holes corresponding innumber, dimension, and placement to the screw holes in the proximal endof housing 807 may be bolted directly to housing base 807.

[0237]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing base907, which corresponds to housing base 807.

[0238] Referring now to FIG. 9B, there is shown a side view of thehousing base 907 shown in FIG. 9A. The height 951 of housing base 907may be approximately 30.75 mm. The diameter of circular orifice 990 maymeasure approximately 6.05 mm. The length 953 of rectangular orifice 991may measure approximately 23.13 mm. A distance 952, measured from thecenter of circular orifice 990 to a first edge of rectangular orifice991, may measure approximately 23.13 mm. A distance 954 from the centerof circular orifice 990 to the bottom edge of rectangular orifice 991may measure approximately 10.07 mm. In one embodiment, the depth 955 ofrectangular orifice 991 is approximately 12.63 mm.

[0239]FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the actuator housing 907. In oneembodiment, the distance 957 from a center of holes 992 to the center ofholes 966 measures approximately 142.06 mm. Distance 958, measured fromthe center of holes 993 to the center of holes 966, is approximately133.69 mm. Distance 959, measured from the center of holes 994 to thecenter of holes 996, is approximately 42.05 mm. The center-to-centerdistance 960 of holes 966 is approximately 20.30 mm. Thecenter-to-center distance 964 of holes 993 is approximately 23.11 mm.The center-to-center distance 956 of holes 992 is approximately 22.22mm. Measurement 965 is approximately 3.18 mm. The diameter 967 of hole996 may measure approximately 14.0 mm. Width 961 of housing 907 maymeasure 30.81 mm.

[0240]FIG. 9D is a sectional end view of housing 907 taken along lineA-A in FIG. 9C. Measurement 962, in one embodiment, is approximately18.77 mm.

[0241]FIG. 9E is a sectional end view of housing 902 taken along lineB-B in FIG. 9C. In one embodiment, measurement 963 is approximately20.40 mm.

[0242]FIG. 10A is a perspective view of one embodiment of crank 1003,which corresponds to crank 803. Proximal end 1094 of crank 1003 mayinclude arms 1098, which contain circular orifices 1091. In oneembodiment, circular orifices 1091 correspond in size and placement toeach other. At the distal end 1097, crank 1003 may include a nubbedportion 1096, which corresponds to nubbed portion 803A. Nubbed portion1096 may include a circular orifice 1092. Additionally, the top ofdistal end 1097 may be flat, or equipped with sidewalls to formdepression 1095. In one embodiment, the each sidewall is equipped withscrew holes 1093.

[0243]FIG. 10B is a top view of the crank 1003 shown in FIG. 10Aillustrating placement of holes 1093. In one embodiment, the diameter1058 of holes 1093 is approximately 3.0 mm.

[0244]FIG. 10C is a side view of the crank 1003 shown in FIG. 10A.Circular orifices 1091 and 1092 have a diameter 1059 of approximately8.05 mm. The center-to-center distance 1051 of orifices 1091 and 1092 isapproximately 41.57 mm.

[0245]FIG. 10D is a bottom view of crank 1003. In one embodiment, thelength 1052 of crank 1003 is approximately 53.60 mm. At its widestpoint, the width 1055 of crank 1003 measures approximately 19.25 mm.Similarly, width 1053 measures approximately 16.80 mm, and width 1054measures approximately 10.78 mm. Length 1057 measures approximately20.00, and distance 1056 measures approximately 7.98 mm.

[0246]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tongue 1105,which corresponds to tongue 805. Proximal end 1197 of tongue 1105contain an concave orifice 1195, while distal end 1196 may contain abore 1191 extending through the thickness of distal end 1196. Similarly,a bore 1192 may extend from one side of the tongue's central portion tothe other. Additionally, the top central portion of tongue 1105 may beridged to form convex channel 1194.

[0247] Referring now to FIG. 11B, there is shown a side view of tongue1105. In this figure, tongue 1105 is shown upside down from the positionshown in FIG. 11A. The length 1151 of tongue 1105 may measureapproximately 44.69 mm. The diameter 1198 of bore 1192 may measureapproximately 8.5 mm. The interior surface of orifice 1195 may be curvedat an angle of approximately 12.70 degrees. Distance 1152 may measureapproximately 11.08 mm. Distance 1154 may measure approximately 7.01 mm.Distance 1153 may measure approximately 3.00 mm. The center-to-centerdistance between bore 1192 and orifice 1191 is approximately 15.82 mm.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 11C, which is a plan view one embodiment oftongue 1105, distance 1156 is approximately 21.38 mm. The diameter oforifice 1191 may measure approximately 6.00 mm. Additionally, withinorifice 1195, there may be disposed a substantially oval orifice 1199,the width of which may measure approximately 6.92 mm.

[0249]FIG. 11D is an end view of one embodiment of tongue 1105. In thisone embodiment, distance 1157 measures approximately 17.88 mm, and width1158 measures approximately 13.95 mm.

[0250]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spring shaft1206, which corresponds to spring shaft 906. In this embodiment, springshaft 1206 has a nubbed portion 1298 at one end that flares to aperpendicularly disposed circular flange 1297A, which terminates in aplanar surface 1297B. An orifice 1292 may extend through nubbed portion1298. A flange 1291 may be disposed on an edge of nubbed portion 1298.Extending from the center of planar surface 1297B is a barrel 1294.Barrel 1294 is cylindrical and of a diameter smaller than the diameterof circular flange portion 1297A. Additionally, barrel 1294 may containevenly spaced rectangular orifices 1293. Barrel 1294 terminates in aplanar surface 1294B. Extending from the center of planar surface 1294Bis a second barrel 1295 of smaller diameter than the first, whichterminates in knobbed ferrule 1296.

[0251]FIG. 12B is a side view of one embodiment of the spring shaft 1206shown in FIG. 12A. The distance 1257 from the center of orifice 1292 tothe edge of planar surface 1297B is approximately 10.00 mm.

[0252]FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional side view of spring shaft 1206 takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 12B. Distance 1254 measures approximately7.12 mm. Distance 1255, measured from the center of orifice 1292 to theedge of ferrule 1296, is approximately 46.99 mm. The diameter 1253 ofthe circular flange portion 1297 measures approximately 19.00 mm.Similarly, the diameter of ferrule 1296 measures approximately 5.00 mmat its widest point. The diameter of barrel 1294 may measureapproximately 9.52 mm.

[0253]FIG. 12D is an end view of spring shaft 1206. In this oneembodiment, the thickness 1256 of flange 1291 may measure approximately3.00 mm.

[0254]FIG. 13A is a perspective view of one embodiment of strut 1303,which corresponds to strut 903. In this one embodiment, strut 1303 isH-shaped. One pair of arms 1396 may curve downwards as shown, while asecond pair of arms 1395 may be straight. Arms 1396 may contain orifices1394 extending through each individual arm. Similar orifices 1393 mayextend through the each of arms 1395. In one embodiment, the outsideedges of orifices 1393 may be flared to produce annular rings 1397.Disposed between arms 1396 is a first channel 1391. Disposed betweenarms 1395 is a second channel 1392.

[0255]FIG. 13B is a plan view of strut 1303 shown in FIG. 13A. Length1356 of strut 1303 may be approximately 36.59 mm. The width 1359 ofstrut 1303, as measured from the outer edges of annular rings 1397 maybe approximately 17.00 mm. The width 1358 of the second channel maymeasure approximately 8.50 mm. The width 1357 of the first channel maymeasure 9.58 mm.

[0256]FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional side view of strut 1303, taken alongthe line A-A in FIG. 13B. In one embodiment, the horizontalcenter-to-center distance 1351 between orifices 1394 and 1393 isapproximately 27.54 mm. Distance 1352 measures approximately 7.63 mm.Distance 1353 measures approximately 8.03 mm. Additionally, the verticalcenter-to-center distance between orifices 1394 and 1393 isapproximately 4.03 mm.

[0257]FIG. 13D is an end view of strut 1303. In one embodiment, thewidth 1360 of strut 1303 measures approximately 17.43 mm.

[0258]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shaft 1416.It will be appreciated that shafts having various lengths and diametersmay be used with the present invention, and that the present inventionis not limited to the dimensions of one embodiment described herein.Shaft 1416 is generally cylindrical, and may be either solid or hollow.Shaft 1416 includes a barrel portion 1493, and an annular channel 1491disposed near one end of shaft 1416, and an annular channel 1492disposed near the opposite end of shaft 1416. In one embodiment, aretaining ring (not shown) fits within annular channel 1492 to secureshaft 1416 in position.

[0259]FIG. 14B is a side view of shaft 1416 showing the variousmeasurements thereof. In one embodiment, the length 1451 of barrelportion 1493, measured from the interior edges of annular channels 1491and 1492, is approximately 17.52 mm. Alternatively, length 1451 maymeasure approximately 25.12 mm or approximately 24.92 mm. The outerdiameter 1452 of shaft 1416 may measure approximately 4.0 mm.

[0260]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a displaytermination socket 1524. In this one embodiment, socket 1524 is ahollow, annular ring. A first annular lip 1592 may be disposed withinone end of socket 1524, and an annular lip 1591 may be disposed insidethe socket 1524 near the other end. Socket 1524 is used to couple adisplay termination ball (not shown) with the actuator assemblypreviously described.

[0261]FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional side view of socket 1524 taken alongthe line A-A in FIG. 15C, which is a top view of socket 1524. Distance1551 measures approximately 17.50 mm, and radius 1553 measuresapproximately 19.00 mm. The interior diameter 1552 of socket 1524 maymeasure approximately 34.50 mm.

[0262]FIG. 16 is a side view of one embodiment of a tension cable 1634.Tension cable 1634 includes a ball ferrule 1654 on one end. The otherend may be provided with a compression-fit ferrule (not shown) duringassembly of the moveable assembly, as previously described.Additionally, a plastic or nylon sleeve 1656 is centrally disposed aboutcable 1634. In one embodiment, the distance 1651, measured from thecenter of ball ferrule 1654 to a first end of sleeve 1656, isapproximately 398.90 mm. Approximately a 12.00 mm length 1655 of exposedcable 1634 may extend past the first end of nylon sleeve 1656. Adistance 1653, measured from a second end of nylon sleeve 1656 to thecenter of ball ferrule 1654, is approximately 12.00 mm. In oneembodiment, the diameter of ball ferrule 1654 may measure approximately11.18 mm.

[0263]FIG. 17A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frictionlimit socket 1725. Socket 1725 may be formed of a metal (e.g. stainlesssteel or aluminum), and may include a first portion 1793A, a secondportion 1793B, and an annular ring (or channel)1791 disposed between thefirst and second portions. Friction limit socket 1725 is static, meaningthat first portion 1793A and second portion 1793B are not moveable. Aconcave surface 1792A may be formed within first portion 1793A toreceive a friction limit ball (not shown). In one embodiment, frictionlimit socket 1725, including concave surfaces 1792A and 1792B (FIG.17C), is formed of a single piece of stainless steel. In anotherembodiment, concave surfaces 1792A and 1792B separate pieces, which maybe threaded together at their base portions to form socket 1725. In oneembodiment, as previously described, concave surfaces 1792A and 1792Bmay be coated with a high friction material such as tungsten-carbide oraluminum oxide. Alternatively, concave surfaces 1792A and 1792B may beleft uncoated.

[0264]FIG. 17B is a plan view of friction limit socket 1725.

[0265]FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional side view of socket 1725 taken alongthe line A-A in FIG. 17B and showing interior concave surfaces 1792A and1792B. Distance 1753 measures approximately 36.00 mm. Distance 1754measures approximately 21.50 mm. A first radius 1752 measuresapproximately 20.00 mm, while a second radius 1751 measuresapproximately 19.10 mm to form an annular lip about the outer edges ofportions 1793A and 1793B.

[0266]FIG. 18A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frictionlimit ball 1826. Friction limit ball 1826 includes a cosmetic middleportion 1891; a first annular friction ring 1892A disposed on a firstend of friction limit ball 1826; a second annular friction ring 1892Bdisposed on a second end of friction limit ball 1826; and a cable guideinsert 1893 centrally located within a bore 1896 running throughfriction limit ball 1826 from one side to the other. Friction limit ballis formed of a metal (e.g. stainless steel or aluminum). In oneembodiment, annular friction rings 1892A and 1892B are manufacturedindependently of friction limit ball 1826 and are adhered to frictionlimit ball 1826 using adhesives well-known in the art. In anotherembodiment, annular friction rings 1892A and 1892B, cable guide insert1893, and friction limit ball 1826 are machined from a single block ofaluminum.

[0267] Referring to FIGS. 17A and 18A, in a further embodiment, annularfriction rings 1892A and 1892B are coated with a high friction materialsuch as tungsten-carbide to provide a high friction surface aspreviously described. Alternatively, annular friction rings 1892A and1892B may be left uncoated. The annular friction rings not only contactconcave surfaces 1792A and 1792B when moveable assembly 200 istensioned, but also serve to limit the friction limit ball's 1826 axisof rotation when moveable assembly 200 is relaxed. For example, frictionlimit ball 1826 may be tilted within socket 1725 until one of thefriction limit rings contacts the inner lip of portion 1793A or 1793B.In embodiment, the axis of rotation is approximately in the range ofapproximately 10.0 to approximately 25.0 degrees. In other embodiments,the axis of rotation may be greater or lesser than the rangeillustratively given above.

[0268]FIG. 18B is a plan view of friction limit ball 1826. Cable guideinsert 1893 may include four perpendicular cross members. Two holes1895A and 1895B may be centrally disposed in two of the cross members,with the center of each hole located a distance 1861 or 1862,respectively, from the center of friction limit ball 1826. In oneembodiment, holes 1895A and 1895B house an anti-torsion cable.Additionally, a central tension cable bore 1894 may be formed in thecenter of cable guide insert 1893 to house a tension cable. In oneembodiment, distances 1861 and 1862 each measure approximately 8.00 mm.

[0269]FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional side view of a friction limit ball1826 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 18B. In one embodiment, thethickness 1851 of friction limit ball is approximately 30.00 mm. Theouter diameter 1854 of friction limit ball 1826 may be approximately38.00 mm. Distances 1855 and 1856, measured from a vertical lineextending though the center of friction limit ball 1826 to the edge ofannular friction rings 1892A and 1892B, each measure approximately 11.03mm. The radius 1857 is equivalent to the radius 1858 and measuresapproximately 35.5 degrees. The diameter 1852 of a first bore isapproximately 23.00 mm. The diameter 1853 of a tension cable bore isapproximately 6.80 mm.

[0270]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an abrasivesocket assembly 1927. A first plunger 1928A slidably fits around firstfriction insert 1930, which is coupled with a second friction insert1931, which slidably fits within a second plunger 1928B. The plungersand friction inserts may be made of a metal (e.g. stainless steel oraluminum). Wave spring 1932 is disposed between the first and secondplungers to space the plungers apart when moveable assembly 200 isrelaxed. When thrust apart by wave spring (resilient member) 1932,plungers 1928A and 1928B lift friction limit balls 1826 out of contactwith friction inserts 1930 and 1931, thus allowing friction limit balls1826 to rotate freely within plungers 1928A and 1928B. In oneembodiment, base portions of friction inserts 1930 and 1931 are threadedsuch that the friction inserts may be screwed together to assembleabrasive socket assembly 1927. Additionally, the concave inner surfacesof friction inserts 1930 and 1931 may be coated with an abrasivematerial such as tungsten carbide, aluminum oxide, or other abrasivematerial, as previously described, to provide a high friction supportsurface.

[0271] With reference back to FIG. 2A, in a further embodiment, abrasivesocket assemblies 1927 are used in the bottom one-half to one-thirdportion of moveable assembly 200, while friction limit sockets 1725 areused in the upper one-half to two-thirds of moveable assembly 200. Inthis manner, moveable assembly 200 is equipped with at least two zonesof friction: a high friction zone located near the base of moveableassembly 200, where the most torque occurs; and a low friction zonelocated towards the display end of moveable assembly 200. Alternatively,abrasive socket assemblies 1927 and friction limit sockets 1725 may bealternated throughout the length of moveable assembly 200.

[0272]FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a first friction insert 1930having a concave interior surface designed to mate with an annularfriction ring of a friction limit ball. Base portion 1992 may bethreaded to mate with a base portion of a corresponding second frictioninsert.

[0273]FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional side view of the friction insert1930 of FIG. 19B. Distance 1952 measures approximately 15.25 mm, anddistance 1953 measures approximately 5.00 mm. In one embodiment, theouter diameter 1955 of the base portion measures approximately 30.25 mm,and the outer diameter of first friction insert 1930 measuresapproximately 35.50 mm. Additionally, the interior 1954 of the baseportion of first friction insert 1930 may be internally threaded. Secondfriction insert 1931 (not shown) has corresponding measurements, exceptthat the base portion of second friction insert 1931 may be externallythreaded.

[0274]FIG. 19D is a top view of first friction insert 1930, showingorifice 1991 bored through the base portion of first friction insert1930 to allow passage therethough of data, torsion, tension, power, andother computer system-related cables.

[0275]FIG. 19E is a side view of first friction insert 1930, showingbase portion 1992.

[0276]FIG. 19F is a bottom view of first friction insert 1930.

[0277]FIG. 19G is a perspective view of a second friction insert 1931,showing a second, externally-threaded base portion 1993.

[0278]FIG. 19H is a cross-sectional side view of second friction insert1931 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 19K. Distance 1961 measuresapproximately 15.25 mm. Distance 1963 measures approximately 5.00 mm.Outer diameter 1964 of the base portion measures approximately 30.25 mm,and outer diameter 1965 of second friction insert 1931 measuresapproximately 35.50 mm. The exterior 1966 of the base portion may bethreaded such that the base portions of second friction insert 1931 andfirst friction insert 1930 screw into each other.

[0279]FIG. 19I is a plan view of second friction insert 1931 showing anorifice 1994 bored through the base portion of the insert to allow forthe passage therethrough of data, power, anti-torsion, tension, power,and other computer system-related cables.

[0280]FIG. 19J is a side view of the second friction insert 1931 showingbase portion 1993.

[0281]FIG. 19K is a bottom view of second friction insert 1931.

[0282]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled abrasivesocket assembly 2027, which corresponds to abrasive socket assembly1927, according to one embodiment of the invention. In this figure,plunger 2093 corresponds to plunger 1928A and plunger 2094 correspondsto plunger 1928B. In this one embodiment, plunger 2093 has beenfashioned to slidably fit around plunger 2094 so as to present a moredesirable aesthetic external appearance. Plungers 2093 and 2094 may bemade of plastic or a metal (e.g. aluminum or stainless steel), andcolored as desired. Annular wave spring 2032, corresponding to wavespring (e.g. resilient member) 1932, is disposed between plungers 2093and 2094 to space plungers 2093 and 2094 apart when moveable assembly200 is relaxed. Friction insert 2030, corresponding to friction insert1930, is screwed into friction insert 2031, which corresponds tofriction insert 1931, at thread interface 2092. In one embodiment, thefriction inserts may be glued together at glue area 2091 using adhesiveswell-known in the art.

[0283]FIG. 21A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basetermination ball 2133. Base termination ball 2133 is similar to frictionlimit ball 1826, except that one end of base termination ball 2133includes a flattened base portion 2192 to couple moveable assembly to amoveable base structure. An annular friction ring 2191, such as thosepreviously described, is formed or attached at one end of basetermination ball 2133. Flattened base portion 2192 may be coupled with amoveable base structure using screw holes 2197, 2195C, 2195A, and 2195B.Additionally, flattened base portion 2192 may include a central tensioncable guide orifice 2194, a pair of anti-torsion cable orifices 2193,and a plurality of cable guide orifices 2196. Like friction limit balls1826, base termination ball 2133 may be made of metal (e.g. stainlesssteel or aluminum).

[0284]FIG. 21B is a bottom view of base termination ball 2133. Thehorizontal center-to-center distance 2151 between orifice 2195C and2195B is approximately 24.00 mm. Orifice 2195B is located a distance2152 of approximately 12.00 mm from a vertical line running through thecenter of tension cable guide orifice 2194, and located a distance 2154of approximately 7.50 mm from a horizontal line running through thecenter of tension cable guide orifice 2194. The verticalcenter-to-center distance 2155 between orifice 2195B and 2195A isapproximately 15.00 mm. In one embodiment, distance 2156 measuresapproximately 14.50 mm.

[0285]FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional side view of base termination ball2133 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 21B. Outer diameter 2157 of theflattened base portion measures approximately 34.45 mm. Distance 2158measures approximately 13.50 mm. Arc 2159 measures approximately 36.0degrees. Distance 2162 measures approximately 23.00 mm. The diameter2161 of the tension cable guide orifice measures approximately 6.80 mm.Distance 2160 measures approximately 11.17 mm. The outer diameter 2164of base termination ball 2133 measures approximately 38.00 mm.

[0286] It will be appreciated that aspects of the present invention maybe used with a variety of moveable assemblies which allow for selectablepositioning of a flat panel display device (FPDD). FIGS. 22A, 22B, and22C show examples of such moveable assemblies which incorporate aspectsof the present invention. Examples of these aspects include a basecomputer system which is moveable by a person and is not physicallyattached to a surface (except through the weight of the system due togravity), or the use of a single actuator on the back of the FPDD inorder to control the repositioning of the FPDD without requiring theactuation or loosening of multiple locks for the various joints, or adata cable which is housed within the structure of the moveableassembly.

[0287]FIG. 22A shows an example of a moveable assembly 2202 which iscoupled to an FPDD 2203 at one end of the moveable assembly and iscoupled to a base computer system 2201 at another end of the moveableassembly 2202. The base computer system 2201 is similar to the basecomputer system 242A. It includes many of the typical components of acomputer system and has been designed in both size and weight toadequately and stably support the FPDD at a variety of differentpositions. For example, the base computer system 2201 is designed withsufficient weight such that, without physically attaching the basecomputer system 2201 (except through gravity) to the surface 2204, thebase computer system 2201 will allow the FPDD 2203 to be extended outbeyond the edge of the computer system 2201 as shown in FIG. 22A withoutcausing the whole system to overturn. Thus the entire system 2200 allowsthe FPDD 2203 to be positioned at any one of a multitude of locations inwhich the FPDD 2203 can be positioned given the extent of reach providedby the moveable assembly 2202.

[0288] The moveable assembly 2202 includes a post (e.g. arm member)2205, a post 2206, and a post 2207 which are coupled to each otherthrough joints 2210 and 2209 as shown in FIG. 22A. The post 2205 iscoupled to the base computer system 2201 through the rotatable joint2208 which allows the post 2205 to rotate as shown by arrow 2216 aroundthe joint 2208. The joint 2209 allows post 2206 to rotate relative topost 2205, allowing an angular displacement along the arrow 2214 asshown in FIG. 22A. Similarly, the angle between post 2206 and 2207 maybe varied as these two posts are moved through the joint 2210, allowingmotion along the arrow 2215. Both joints 2209 and 2210 include lockingmechanisms 2212 and 2213 respectively, allowing the relative angularposition between the corresponding posts to be fixed.

[0289] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22A, articulation of both jointssimultaneously will require loosening of both joints in order to allowcomplete control of the movement of the FPDD. In an alternativeembodiment of the system shown in FIG. 22A, a single locking actuationcontrol may be disposed on the surface of the FPDD 2203 in a mannerwhich is similar to the handle 241 described above. In one embodiment,this single actuation control may be an electromagnetic control whichloosens or tightens the joints electromagnetically under the control ofthe single actuation switch disposed on the FPDD 2203. The post 2207terminates in a gimbal joint 2211 which is coupled to the FPDD to allowmovement of the FPDD relative to the post 2207. Within the interiorportions of the posts 2205, 2206 and 2207, there are disposed data andpower cables 2220 and 2221. In one embodiment, these cables areconcealed within the interior of the posts, which represent another formof a moveable assembly for supporting an FPDD. It will be appreciatedthat other computer system-related cables may be housed within theinterior portions of posts 2205, 2206, and 2207.

[0290]FIG. 22B shows another example of a moveable assembly 2233 in asystem 2233 which includes a base computer system 2232 and an FPDD 2248.The entire system 2233 rests, through gravity, on the surface 2239without being physically attached to the surface except through gravity.As noted above, the bottom of the computer system 2232 may include anon-slip surface, such as rubber feet. Given that the weight and size ofthe base computer system 2232 is designed according to the teachings ofthe present invention to allow the support of the FPDD 2248 in a varietyof selectable positions of the FPDD 2248, there is no need for the basecomputer system 2232 to be physically attached to the surface 2239through the use of clamps or glues or bolts or screws, etc.

[0291] In one embodiment of the example shown in FIG. 22B, the computersystem 2232 has a weight and size which allows a single human user to beable to move the computer system without assistance from another personor from a mechanical assistance. The base computer system 2232 isattached to post 2235 through a rotatable joint 2238, which allows thepost 2235 to rotate around the base computer system along the arrow2243. Post 2236 is coupled to post 2235 through the joint 2239, whichwill be locked through the locking mechanism 2240. The joint 2239 allowsthe angle between post 2235 and 2236 to be varied by moving the post2236 along the arrow 2241. One end of the post 2236 supports acounterweight 2237 and another end of the post terminates in a gimbaljoint 2244 which is attached to the back of the FPDD 2248. Posts 2235and 2236, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22B, include power and datacables 2270 and 2249, respectively, which are disposed within theseposts and thereby concealed by these posts. A single actuating device orswitch 2250 may optionally be located on the FPDD 2248 to allow for therelease of one or more lockable joints in order to allow the selectablepositioning or repositioning of the FPDD.

[0292]FIG. 22C shows another example of a moveable assembly 2264 in asystem 2260 which includes the moveable assembly as well as an FPDD 2263and a base computer system 2261 which rests on a surface 2262, which maybe a desk surface. As noted above, the base computer system 2261 istypically designed to have a weight and size such that it will supportthe selectable positioning and repositioning of the FPDD 2263 over alarge range of movement of the FPDD 2263. The moveable assembly 2264includes three posts,2267, 2268 and 2269, and also includes three joints2271, 2272 and 2273, and also includes two counterweights 2277 and 2278.The moveable assembly 2264 also includes a gimbal joint 2274 whichcouples the post 2269 to the FPDD 2263. An optional single actuatorcontrol 2280 may be disposed on the FPDD 2263 in order to unlock or lockone or more of the joints. The embodiment shown in FIG. 22C may alsooptionally include the use of power and data cables, which are disposedwithin the posts 2267, 2268, and 2269.

[0293] In FIG. 23A, the computer controlled display system 2300includes: a flat panel display device 2301 having a display surface 2302and an input 2303 for receiving display data to be displayed on thedisplay surface 2302. A moveable assembly 2304 is mechanically coupledto the flat panel display 2301. The moveable assembly 2304 has across-sectional area, which is substantially less than an area of thedisplay surface 2302. Moveable assembly 2304 is moveable when handle2307 is depressed, to allow the flat panel display device 2301 to beselectively positioned in space relative to a user of the computercontrolled display system 2300. A base (e.g. moveable enclosure) 2305 iscoupled mechanically to the moveable assembly 2304 and to the flat paneldisplay device 2301 through the moveable assembly 2304. In oneembodiment, the base houses concealed computer components, whichinclude, but are not limited to: a microprocessor, a memory, a bus, anI/O (input/output) controller, optical drive, network interface, and I/Oport. In such an embodiment, the microprocessor is coupled to the inputof the flat panel display 2301. In a preferred embodiment, thecross-sectional area is defined by a cross-section taken perpendicularlyto a longitudinal dimension of the moveable assembly 2304.

[0294] In one embodiment, the moveable assembly 2304 is moveable suchthat the FPDD 2301 has at least three degrees of movement. In oneembodiment, the overall weight of the entire system is less than about45.0 lbs and a footprint size of the base 2305 is less than an area ofabout 4.0 square feet.

[0295] In a further embodiment, an actuator 2306 is attached to the flatpanel display 2301 and coupled to a force generator (e.g. spring/pistonassembly) which maintains the moveable assembly 2304 in a rigid modewhen the actuator (handle) 2306 is in a first state, and which allowsthe moveable assembly 2304 to be moveable when the actuator (handle)2306 is in a second state. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 2306,through a single actuation, allows simultaneous positioning of the flatpanel display 2301 and moveable assembly 2304 in multiple degrees offreedom.

[0296] In one embodiment, a data cable (not shown) is coupled to theinput of the flat panel display 2301 at a first end, and coupled to adisplay controller (not shown) housed within the base 2305, the cablebeing disposed (and/or concealed) within the moveable assembly 2304. Ina further embodiment, an anti-torsion cable (not shown) is coupled to(and preferably within) the moveable assembly 2304 to restrain the flatpanel display (and the moveable assembly 2304) from being rotated beyonda pre-determined amount.

[0297] In a further embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of themoveable assembly 2304 extends from the flat panel display 2301 to thebase 2305, and a weight of the system 2300 is less than about 25.0lbsand a footprint size of the base 2305 is less than an area of about500.0 square centimeters.

[0298] In a further embodiment, the base 2305 is not fixedly secured toa supporting surface under the base 2305.

[0299]FIG. 23B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a computercontrolled display device including a FPDD 2301 coupled with a moveableassembly 2304, which is coupled with a base 2305. As shown, actuatorassembly 2306 is mounted on or contained within the rear housing 2308 ofFPDD 2301. In one embodiment, the internal structure of FPDD isstrengthened to withstand the compressive user forces appliedsimultaneously to handle 2306A and the front surface of FPDD 2301. Theexternal shape of base 2305, in one embodiment, forms a toroid, asshown, and includes an inner metal Faraday cage, concealed by a layer ofplastic, which repels external Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMF) thatmay interfere with operation of the computer components concealed withinthe base 2305. The Faraday cage also contains internal EMF generated bythe concealed computer components. In one embodiment, the concealedmetal Faraday cage, like the outer plastic layer, is manufactured in twopieces, a top portion and a bottom portion, which when fitted togetherform a toroid. The Faraday cage may be made of zinc, zinc alloys, orother suitable metals known in the art.

[0300] In one embodiment, the base 2305 and its internal componentsweighs approximately 13.0 pounds, while the FPDD 2301 weighsapproximately 4.5 pounds. Additionally, the moveable assembly 2304, base2305, and FPDD 2301 are manufactured such that a user can safely liftcomputer system 2300 using moveable assembly 2304 as a carrying handle.Additionally, the system is manufactured such that a user can safelyhoist the entire system simply by grasping the FPDD 2301 and lifting.The terms “safely lift” and “safely hoist” mean that the various systemcomponents suffer minimal or no external or internal damage as a resultof the user's lifting actions.

[0301] As shown in FIG. 23B, the exterior plastic housing of base 2305may be formed of two parts, a top portion and a bottom portion 2305A,which, when fitted together, form a toroid. The bottom portion 2305A maycontain a plurality of peripheral ports and/or computer system-relatedcontrols 2310. Such ports and controls illustratively include, but arenot limited to one or more of: a Firewire port, an Ethernet port, amodem jack, a power button, a reset button, a USB port, an infraredport, and similar computer system-related ports and controls.

[0302]FIG. 23C is a side view of the computer system 2300 shown in FIGS.23A and 23B, according to one embodiment of the invention. System 2300includes a FPDD 2301 having an actuator assembly 2306 attached thereto;a moveable assembly 2304 attached to the actuator assembly 2306, and abase 2305 attached to the moveable assembly 2304. In this embodiment,moveable assembly 2304 is a snake-like ball-and-socket assembly;however, it will be appreciated that other types of assemblies may alsobe used. Additionally, an optical drive (e.g. CD and/or DVD) aperture2312 is provided in the top portion of base 2305. Aperture 2312, in oneembodiment, includes an electronically activated fold-down door and anelectronically activated slide-out optical disk tray. In one embodiment,pressing a button on a keyboard coupled with base 2305 activates thefold-down door and slide-out tray.

[0303]FIG. 23D is a rear-view of the computer system 2300 shown in FIGS.23A-23C, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, system2300 includes FPDD 2301, actuator assembly 2306, moveable assembly 2304,and base 2305, which includes a plurality of peripheral ports andcomputer system-related controls 2310, as described above.

[0304]FIG. 23E is a front view of the computer system 2300 of FIGS.23A-23D, according to one embodiment of the invention, and showing FPDD2301, viewing surface 2302, and base 2305.

[0305]FIG. 23F is another side view of the computer system 2300 of FIGS.23A-23E, according to one embodiment of the invention, and showing FPDD2301, actuator assembly 2306, moveable assembly 2304, and base 2305.

[0306] Referring now to FIG. 23G, a moveable assembly 2302 similar tothat previously described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B is showncoupled with a flat panel display 2310, which, in one embodiment,includes a housing 2301 attached to a portion of the flat panel displayobverse from a viewing portion 2311 of the flat panel display 2310.Housing 2301 is coupled to moveable assembly 2302 using at least onescrew 2331 or a plurality of screws 2331. Within housing 2301 arevarious components of actuator assembly 2300A. Illustratively, suchcomponents include a tongue 2305, a crank 2303, a strut 2309, a springguide 2308, and a spring 2370. Tongue 2305 has a distal end 2306Bcoupled with a ball ferrule 2335, which is attached to a tension cable2334 extending through an interior portion of moveable assembly 2302. Aproximal end 2306A of tongue 2305 is coupled with a distal end 2303B ofcrank 2303. The proximal end 2303A of crank 2303 is operatively coupledwith the distal end of a strut 2309, and a proximal end of strut of 2309is coupled with a distal end 2308B of spring guide 2308, which isinserted within the interior of a spring 2370. In one embodiment, springguide 2308 progressively narrows or tapers downwards from the distal end2308B to its proximal end 2308A, which includes a bushing 2350, whichhelps reduce friction and wear as proximal end 2308A slides withinchannel 2307. In one embodiment, tongue 2305 may include at its proximalend 2306A a channel extending therethrough into which a set screw orother screwlike mechanism 2305A is placed. Set screw 2305A may beadjusted to vary the angle at which the distal end of tongue 2305contacts the ball ferrule of tension cable 2334.

[0307] In one embodiment, a handle 2360 having a distal end 2360B and aproximal end 2360A may be operatively coupled with the actuator assembly2300. In one embodiment, distal end 2360B of handle 2360 is coupled witha top portion of crank 2303 using a set screw 2332. In one embodiment,proximal end 2360B is fashioned into an ergonomic design.

[0308] Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 23G, it will be appreciated thatthe actuator assembly 2300 shown in FIG. 23G differs from the actuatorassembly 400, shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A the distal end of handle 460was coupled with ball ferrule 434 attached to tension cable 490, whereasin FIG. 23G, the distal end 2360B of handle 2360 is coupled crank 2303,which is operatively coupled with tongue 2305. Tongue 2305, in turn, iscoupled with the ball ferrule 2335 attached to tension cable 2334.

[0309] Comparing FIGS. 4A and 23G, it will be appreciated that the angleat which tongue 2305 contacts ball ferrule 2335 is greater than theangle at which distal end of handle 460 contacts ball ferrule 434. InFIG. 23G, the changed tongue angle provides the tensioning mechanism(e.g. actuator assembly 2300A), with increased mechanical advantage asthe cable 2334 becomes tighter, which reduces the amount of user forcerequired to relax moveable assembly 2302. In one embodiment, an anglemeasured between a first horizontal line drawn through the center ofpivot 2370 and a second oblique line extending from the center of pivot2370, centrally through the distal end 2306B of tongue 2305, measures inthe range of approximately 40.0 degrees to approximately 85.0 degrees,preferably approximately 70.0 degrees.

[0310]FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a tongue 2400, which correspondsto tongue 2305 in FIG. 23G. In FIG. 24A tongue 2400 includes a distalend 2497 and a proximal end 2496. A cylindrical bore 2492 extendsthrough the middle portion of tongue 2400 in one embodiment. In oneembodiment, the distal end 2497 of tongue 2400 includes a bore (orcavity) 2495 extending from a top surface of tongue 2400 downwardtowards a bottom surface of tongue 2400. Similarly, at proximal end 2496of tongue 2400 there is included a cylindrical bore 2491 extending froma top surface of tongue 2400 to a bottom surface of tongue 2400. Thesefeatures are better shown with reference to FIG. 24B, which is across-sectional side view of tongue 2400 shown in FIG. 24A.

[0311] In FIG. 24B tongue 2400 has an overall length 2451 ofapproximately 41.47 mm. A distance 2452, as measured from the centerpoint of bore 2491 to a center point of horizontal bore 2492 measuresapproximately 15.83 mm. A center-to-center distance 2454 from bore 2492to bore 2495 measures approximately 13.64 mm. A distance 2453 from abottom surface of distal end 2497 to a horizontal line 2499 extendingthrough the midpoint of bore 2492 measures approximately 14.63 mm. Inone embodiment, the radius 2455 of bore 2492 measures in the range ofapproximately 11.100 mm to approximately 11.125 mm. Similarly, aninterior beveled portion of cavity 2495 has a radius of approximately11.40 mm plus or minus 0.25 mm.

[0312] With reference to FIG. 24D, which is an end view of tongue 2400.It will be appreciated that tongue 2400 in one embodiment, has a depth(or height) 2459 of approximately 22.63 mm as measured from a topsurface 2400A to a bottom surface 2400B of tongue 2400. FIG. 24C shows atop view of tongue 2400 according to one embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 24C tongue 2400 has a width 2456 of approximately 11.15 mm minus0.15 mm. Width of 2456 is measured from a first side 2492A to a secondside 2492B of bore 2492 extending through a mid portion of tongue 2400.In one embodiment, a bottom portion of cavity 2495 is substantiallyelliptical in shape and has a width 2457 of approximately 6.97 mm. Awidth 2458 of distal end 2497 as measured from a first side 2497A to asecond side 2497B measures in one embodiment, approximately 13.50 mm.

[0313] Referring now to FIG. 25A there is shown a perspective view of aglide ring 2500, which in one embodiment is inserted within a frictionsocket plunger to preserve the cosmetic finish of the balls. As shown inFIG. 25A, glide ring 2500 is substantially spherical in shape having abase portion 2505 which in one embodiment is an annular ring attached toa bottom surface of glide ring 2500. In one embodiment, glide ring 2500has a first diameter 2501 which is larger than a second diameter 2502,wherein the interior and exterior surfaces of glide ring 2500 curvinglytaper from the first diameter 2501 toward the second diameter 2502. Inone embodiment, the upper sidewall portions of glide ring 2500 mayinclude a plurality of slots 2503 extending downward from a top surfaceof glide ring 2500 towards the second diameter 2502. In one embodiment,a plurality of pegged feet 2504, may be attached to the outer bottomportion of glide ring 2500. These pegged feet 2504 may be used to holdglide ring securely within an abrasive socket plunger (not shown) byinserting one or more of feet 2504 within a corresponding plurality ofholes positioned within an abrasive socket plunger (not shown).

[0314]FIG. 25B is a bottom view of glide ring 2500, shown in FIG. 25A.In one embodiment, an angle as measured from a line 2509 extending froma center point of glide ring 2500 through a pegged foot 2504 to a secondline 2510 extending through the midpoint of glide ring 2500 through thecenter of a slot 2503A measures approximately 30.0 degrees.

[0315]FIG. 25C is a side view of glide ring 2500, shown in FIG. 25A,further illustrating placement of slots 2503 and pegged feet 2504.

[0316]FIG. 25D is a top view of glide ring 2500.

[0317]FIG. 25E is a cross-sectional side view glide ring 2500 takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 25D. In FIG. 25E a focal point 2557 iscentered a distance 2556 of approximately 17.875 mm above the base ofglide ring 2500 as measured from a vertical line 2556A extending throughfocal point 2557 to a second parallel line 2556B. In FIG. 25E, a line2555B, perpendicular to line 2556A extends from focal point 2557 throughthe center portion of glide ring 2500.

[0318] Angle 2555, as measured between lines 2555A and 2555B, measures,in one embodiment, approximately 63.70 degrees. The outer radius 2551 ofthe outer wall of glide ring 2500 measures approximately 41.500 mm minus0.025 mm, while the inner wall 2552 has a radius measuring approximately40.000 mm minus 0.025 mm. In one embodiment, the inner diameter 2553 ofbase portion of glide ring 2500 measures approximately 21.50 mm whilethe outer diameter 2554 measures approximately 23.00 mm minus 0.025 mm.

[0319] Glide ring 2500 may be made of various materials, including butnot limited to: plastics, polymers, metals, glass, and fiberglass.Preferably, glide ring 2500 is made of Ryton®), having a nominal wallthickness of approximately 3.0 mm. In one embodiment, the materialcomprising glide ring 2500 may include an abrasive material or alubricating material. For example, fiberglass strands may beincorporated within a glide ring formed of plastic, to increase thefrictional qualities of glide ring 2500. Similarly, a lubricant such as(but not limited to) Teflon® may be incorporated within a glide ringformed of a polymer or a plastic. In one embodiment, a plurality ofplastic glide rings 2500 may be manufactured, each having a differentfrictional quality. For example, Teflon® may be incorporated into afirst glide ring positioned within a first socket assembly coupled witha flat panel display, while fiberglass may be incorporated within asecond and third glide rings positioned within corresponding second andthird socket assemblies operatively coupled with the first socketassembly. In one embodiment, glide rings 2500 are only used in the threesocket assemblies nearest the flat panel display. In alternateembodiment, a plurality of glide rings 2500, having the same ordifferent frictional qualities, may be used throughout the length of amoveable assembly.

[0320] Glide ring 2500 should be manufactured such that its straightedges have a straightness tolerance of 0.05 per centimeter, not toexceed 0.4 over the entire surface; and such that its flat surfaces havea flatness tolerance of 0.05 per centimeter, not to exceed 0.4 over theentire surface.

[0321] Where glide ring 2500 is molded, the mold should be designed tominimize ejection pin marks, gate blush, lines, and weld marks. Moldconstruction should conform to good molding industry practices as statedin the current edition of “Standard Practices of Custom Molders” by theSociety of Plastic Industry, Inc. Similarly all exterior surfaces shouldbe free of sinks, gate marks, ejection marks, and other type of cosmeticdefects including but not limited to splay, included particles, burnmarks, and similar imperfections.

[0322]FIG. 26A shows an abrasive socket bearing 2600, which in oneembodiment, may be inserted within the rim of a friction socket (notshown). In one embodiment, abrasive socket bearing 2600 may be brazed orcoated with an abrasive material such as silica, aluminum oxide,tungsten-carbide, or other abrasive material.

[0323] Referring now to FIG. 26B, there is shown a side view of anabrasive socket bearing 2600 In one embodiment, abrasive socket bearing2600 has a thickness 2605 measuring approximately 1.40 mm. In oneembodiment, an outer diameter 2606 of abrasive socket bearing 2600measures approximately 37.300 mm.

[0324]FIG. 26C is a top view of abrasive socket bearing 2600, shown inFIG. 26A.

[0325] Referring now to FIG. 26D, there is shown a cross-sectional sideview of abrasive socket bearing 2600 of FIG. 26A taken along the lineA-A in FIG. 26C. As shown in FIG. 26D, abrasive socket bearing 2600 hasa wall 2602 whose outer surface is substantially perpendicular and whoseinner top surface slightly curves toward a base portion 2602A, which inone embodiment, is wider than a curved top portion 2602B. In oneembodiment, a rim 2601 may have a thickness 2661 of approximately 0.48mm and a width 2662 approximately 0.24 mm. In one embodiment, a baseportion of rim 2601 is attached to the substantially perpendicular sideof wall 2602. A base portion 2602A of wall 2602 has a width 2663 ofapproximately 0849 mm, plus or minus 0.015 mm.

[0326] Abrasive socket bearings 2600 may be comprised of variousmaterials including, but not limited to: glass, metals, plastics,polymers, or fiberglass. In one preferred embodiment, abrasive socketbearing 2600 is comprised of Delrin® 500, AF, white; and has a nominalwall thickness of approximately 3.0 mm. In one embodiment, straightedges have a straightness tolerance of 0.05 per centimeter not to exceed0.4 over the entire surface, and the flat surfaces have a flatnesstolerance of 0.05 per centimeter, not to exceed 0.4 over the entiresurface. The abrasive socket bearing 2600 may be added to a frictionsocket (not shown) to provide an improved and more stable frictionperformance than can be obtained using the friction inserts shown inFIGS. 19A-19C.

[0327]FIG. 27A is an exploded perspective view of a friction socketassembly 2700, according to another embodiment of the present invention.Socket assembly 2700 is similar to socket assembly 1927 shown in FIG.19A. Referring again to FIG. 27A, socket assembly 2700 includes abrasivesocket bearings 2701A and 2701B, abrasive inserts 2702A and 2702B. Inone embodiment, abrasive insert 2702A couples with abrasive insert 2702Bto hold socket assembly 2700 together.

[0328] Referring again to FIG. 27A, socket assembly 2700 furtherincludes an outer socket plunger 2703, an inner socket plunger 2705, anda resilient member (wavespring) 2704, which may be used to storepotential energy when plungers 2703 and 2705 are compressed. The storedpotential energy may later be used to reduce the amount of a user forceneeded to change a state of a moveable assembly in which socket assembly2700 is incorporated. In one embodiment, the components of socketassembly 2700 may be manufactured using the materials and methods usedto manufacture the components of socket assembly 1927 in FIG. 19A.

[0329] Referring now to FIG. 27B, there is shown a cross-sectional sideview of an assembled socket assembly 2700 In one embodiment, abrasiveinsert 2702A is coupled with abrasive insert 2702B, such that outersocket plunger 2703 and inner socket plunger 2705 compressively contactresilient member 2704, which in one embodiment may be a wavespring. Alsoincluded in assembled socket assembly 2700 shown in FIG. 27B areabrasive socket bearings 2701A and 2701B. Abrasive socket bearing 2701Ais disposed within an outer rim of outer socket plunger 2703. Similarly,abrasive socket bearing 2701B is disposed within an outer rim of innersocket plunger 2705.

[0330]FIG. 28 shows an exploded perspective view of an actuator assembly2800, similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIG. 8. Referring againto FIG. 28, actuator assembly 2800 includes a housing 2813, having adistal end 2813A and a proximal end 2813B. In one embodiment, the end ofproximal end 2813B of housing 2813 includes a bore 2817, into which adogpoint self-locking hex socket screw 2801 may be inserted to retainspring 2815 within housing 2813.

[0331] Aspring shaft 2803, having a bushing 2803A located on itsproximal end 2803B, may be inserted within the interior of spring 2815.Bushing 2803A, in one embodiment, may slide within a channel formed inan end of screw 2801. A shaft 2804 may be used to couple the distal endof spring shaft 2803 with a proximal end of strut 2805. Similarly, shaft2806, retaining pin 2812, needle bearing 2810, and retaining end nylonwasher 2811 may be used to couple the distal end of strut 2805 with theproximal end of crank 2809. Likewise, a needle tongue bearing 2818, alever bushing 2808, a shaft 2807, and a retaining ring 2814 may be usedto couple the distal end of crank 2809 with a center portion of tongue2810.

[0332] In one embodiment, the distal end of spring shaft 2803 contains abore through which shaft 2804 may be inserted. Track bearing 2802A andtrack bearing 2802B may be coupled with ends of shaft 2804 such that thetrack bearings slide within apertures 2816 when actuator assembly 2800is actuated. As shown in FIG. 28, apertures 2816 may be substantiallyrectangularly shaped openings disposed substantially horizontally withinthe sides of housing 2813. In other embodiments, however, aperture 2816may be inclined toward the proximal end 2813B of housing 2813, orinclined toward distal end 2813A of housing 2813. Similarly, frontportions 2816A of apertures 2816 may be inclined upward, such thatapertures 2816, when viewed from the side, resemble a substantially “L”or “J” shape. Other configurations of apertures 2816 will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the shape and placement ofapertures 2816 should be designed to minimize the user force required tocompress spring 2815.

[0333] In one embodiment, the components of actuator assembly 2800 maybe manufactured using the materials and methods used to manufacture thecomponents of the actuator assembly shown in FIG. 8.

[0334] Referring now to FIG. 29A, there is shown a perspective view of afriction socket 2900, into which glide rings 2910A and 2910B may beinserted. In one embodiment, an interior diameter 2905 includes aplurality of holes or apertures 2920, into which one or more pegged feet2904A and 2904B may be inserted to secure glide rings 2910A and 2910Bwithin socket 2900. In one embodiment, socket 2900 is manufactured usingaluminum, and in one embodiment, inner diameter 2905 is made of the samematerial as socket 2900 In one embodiment, holes or apertures 2920extend through inner diameter 2905.

[0335] Referring now to FIG. 29B, there is shown a cross-sectional sideview of an assembled socket 2900, showing placement of glide rings 2910Aand 2910B therein.

[0336]FIG. 29C is a detailed view of section A shown in FIG. 29B.

[0337] Referring to FIG. 30A, there is shown a perspective view of aspring guide (e.g. spring shaft) 3000, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. Spring guide 3000 includes a proximal end 3000Aand a distal end 3000B. Proximal end 3000A includes a bore 3006extending therethrough, into which a needle bushing 3004 may beinserted. Proximal end 3000A terminates in a substantially planar face3007, from the center of which extends a cylindrical barrel portion3003, having at least a recessed portion 3005 therein. Cylindricalbarrel portion 3003 terminates in a concave face 3009, from whichextends another cylindrical barrel portion 3008, having a smallerdiameter than the first cylindrical barrel portion 3003. Spring guide3000 terminates at its distal end 3000B. In one embodiment, a plasticbushing 3002 may be placed on the distal end 3000B and secured with aretaining ring 3001.

[0338] Referring now to FIG. 30B, there is shown a cross-sectional sideview of the spring guide 3000 shown in FIG. 30A. As shown in FIG. 30B,spring guide 3000 includes a proximal end 3000A and a distal end 3000B.Proximal end 3000A is shown, including a bore 3006, into which a needlebushing 3004 is inserted. Again, proximal end 3000A terminates at thesubstantially planar face 3007, from which extends a cylindrical barrelportion 3003, having one or more recessed portions 3005 therein.Extending from the proximal end 3000A of cylindrical barrel portion 3003is a second cylindrical barrel portion 3008, having a small diameterthan cylindrical barrel portion 3003. At the proximal end 3000B ofspring guide 3000 is disposed a plastic bushing 3002, secured in placewith a retaining ring 3001.

[0339] Referring now to FIG. 31A, there is shown a perspective view of asocket 3100, having an interior diameter 3101, which contains aplurality of apertures or holes 3120 In one embodiment, socket 3100,including annular ring 3101, is manufactured of aluminum or similarmetal.

[0340] Referring now to FIG. 31B, there is shown a top view of thesocket 3100 shown in FIG. 31A. In one embodiment, annular ring 3101contains approximately 12 holes (or apertures) 3120, each hole having adiameter of approximately 3.0 mm, plus 0.20 mm. In one embodiment, thecenters of holes 3120 are centered within the annular ring 3101, whichhas a radius of approximately 30.0 mm as measured from the center point3130 of socket 3100 In one embodiment, a line 3160A passing through thecenter of hole 3120A makes an angle 3160, with a horizontal line 3160Bpassing through center point 3130 of socket 3100, of approximately 30.0degrees.

[0341] Referring now to FIG. 31C, there is shown a cross-sectional sideview of socket 3100 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 31B. In oneembodiment, the diameter 3162 of annular ring 3101 measuresapproximately 23.10 mm. The focal point 3166 is located on a line 3165passing through the center of socket 3100, approximately a distance 3167of 5.243 mm, plus or minus 0.015 from an outer edge of socket 3100.

[0342] Distance 3161, extending from focal point 3166 to focal point3168, measures approximately 36.0 mm. A radius 3164, extending fromfocal point 3166, measures in one embodiment approximately 20.750 mm,minus 0.025 mm. Similarly, a second radius 3163, extending from focalpoint 3166, measures approximately 20.15 mm, plus 0.15 mm. A thirdradius, shown in FIG. 31D as radius 3169, as measured from focal point3166, measures in one embodiment approximately 19.50 mm, plus or minus0.8 mm.

[0343] Referring now to FIG. 32A, there is shown a perspective view of atension cable assembly 3200, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Tension cable assembly 3200 may include a tension cable 3202,having a proximal end 3205A and distal end 3205B. In one embodiment,proximal end 3205A may include a ball ferrule 3201 attached to tensioncable 3202.

[0344] In one embodiment, a nylon sleeve 3203 may be fitted over tensioncable 3202, and a Teflon® sheath 3204 may be fitted over the nylonsleeve 3203. Use of the nylon sleeve 3203 and the Teflon® sheath 3204reduces sliding friction as tension cable 3202 passes through a moveableassembly (not shown). The reduced friction lessens the amount of work auser must provide on a state of the moveable assembly.

[0345] In one embodiment, sheath 3204 may be formed of a slippery (e.g.low friction) material such as polyethylene or delron. Sheath 3204 maybe comprised entirely of Teflon® or a structural material forming sheath3204 may be coated with a Teflon® coating.

[0346] In one embodiment, friction is generated between tension cable3202 and interior parts of a moveable assembly whenever tension cable3202 is tensioned. To reduce sliding friction and even out the load, alubricant such as a dry grease may be applied between nylon sleeve 3203and sheath 3204. In one embodiment, the lubricant has a high molecularweight and is of a type which is compatible with nylon, Teflon®, andplastics. The lubricant should be non-migrating, meaning that it has ahigh viscosity, because it is important that whatever lubricant is useddoes not escape the sheath 3204 to contaminate the friction surfaces ofthe sockets comprising a moveable assembly (not shown).

[0347] In one embodiment, migration of sheath 3204 and sleeve 3203during movement of the moveable assembly may be prevented by crimpingand/or melting sheath 3204 and sleeve 3203 at various points alongtension cable 3202. Additionally, a rib (not shown) may be formed on theouter portion of sleeve 3204 to contact a sheath stop located within theinterior of the moveable assembly.

[0348]FIG. 33A is a perspective frontal view of a computer system 3300including a flat panel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupledwith a moveable assembly 3302, according to another embodiment of theinvention. In FIG. 33A, moveable assembly 3302 is coupled with a flatpanel display 3310 to support the flat panel display 3310 at adesignated space around the base 3306. In the embodiment shown, moveablebase 3306 is hemispherical or toroidal in shape, and has a substantiallyflat, substantially circular, bottom portion 3306B from which a curvedhousing 3306A rises. The apex of housing 3306A is substantially centeredat a pre-determined vertical distance above the center of thesubstantially circular bottom portion 3306B. In one embodiment, bottomportion 3306B is formed of a single piece of material and shaped so asto operatively couple with the hemispherical (or toroidal) top portionof housing 3306A. It will be appreciated that though the moveable base3310 illustratively shown has a hemispherical shape, other designs, suchas squarish shapes, rectangular shapes, cylindrical shapes,substantially pyramidal shapes, or other geometric shapes (together withmodifications and/or combinations thereof) may be used. Thus, suchdesigns, regardless of shape are to be construed as falling within thescope of the present invention.

[0349] The moveable base, together with the rest of the computer system3300, weighs in the range of about 10.0 lbs to about 45.0 lbs, and ismoveable by a single, unaided person. The moveable base is not requiredto be fixedly attached to the surface on which it rests. The size andweight of the moveable base is designed, in the manner described above,to allow the selective positioning of display 3310 at a wide variety ofdifferent positions without causing the system to overturn or flip over.

[0350] The outer and inner sections of top portion 3306A and bottomportion 3306B of base 3306 may be formed of the same or differentmaterials. Illustrative materials, which may be used in variousembodiments of the invention, include but are not limited to metals,plastics, polymers, glass, and fiberglass. Illustrative metals includestainless steel, aluminum, titanium, similar metals, and compositesthereof. It will be appreciated that various plastics, polymers, andcomposites thereof suitable for making the outer and inner portions ofbase 3306 will be known to persons skilled in the engineering andmanufacturing arts.

[0351] In one embodiment, top portion 3306A and bottom portion 3306B arecoupled together using snap fittings, screws, and/or adhesives. Inanother embodiment, base 3306 is substantially formed (e.g. 80% or more)of a single piece of material. In such embodiments, base 3306 maycontain one or more access ports (not shown) to permit user ortechnician access into the interior of base 3306.

[0352] plurality of holes 3304 may perforate the top of thehemispherical top portion of housing 3306A to allow airflow to flux inand out of the interior of base 3306 to cool electronic componentshoused within moveable base 3306. Such components may include, but arenot limited to: a central processing unit, a memory, a display driver,and an optical drive (e.g. DVD and/or CD-rom drive).

[0353] In one embodiment, an elongated aperture 3308 is substantiallyhorizontally disposed within base 3306. Aperture 3308 may be equippedwith a protective covering, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, which, inalternate embodiments, may take the form of sliding doors, flip-up orflip-down doors, side-opening doors, a slide-out loading tray, aprotective membrane, or a dust curtain. In one embodiment, aperture 3308houses a loading slot and/or tray for an internal DVD/CD rom drive. Inanother embodiment, aperture 3308 houses sound, volume, brightness,contrast, and other controls. Aperture 3308 may also include a wirelessport.

[0354] Flat panel display device 3310, which may be of any type suitablefor use with computer systems, includes a front viewing surface 3310.Its overall size and weight are chosen in coordination with thefootprint and weight of the base 3306, such that base 3306 does not tiltwhen flat panel display 3310 is supported beyond the perimeter of base3306 by moveable assembly 3302, which is attached to a rear surface offlat panel display 3310 and to a top portion 3306A of base 3306. Theweight of base 3306 is chosen such that base 3306 adequately supportsmoveable assembly 3302 and flat panel display 3310 attached theretowithout tipping; and such that a user can easily move computer system3300. Thus, in one embodiment, the weight of base 3306 is in theillustrative range of approximately 10.0 to approximately 25.0 pounds.

[0355]FIG. 33B is perspective rear view of a computer system 3300including a flat panel display device 3310 and a moveable base 3306coupled with a moveable assembly 3302 according to one embodiment of theinvention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33B, moveable assembly 3302includes a tubular member 3326 having a distal end coupled with the rearportion 3310B of flat panel display 3310 and a proximal end coupled withthe base 3306. The distal end of tubular member 3326 may include aflexible joint 3322A, secured to the distal end of tubular member 3326by retaining assembly 3324A, which, in one embodiment, includes atubular shaft and a retaining pin. Flexible joint 3322A may terminate inor be attached to a shaft 3320A, which is coupled to the rear portion3310B through washer 3318A. The proximal end of tubular member 3326 mayinclude a flexible joint 3322B, secured to the proximal end of tubularmember 3326 by retaining assembly 3324B. Flexible joint 3322B mayterminate in or be attached to a shaft 3320B, which is coupled to base3306 through washer 3318B. Additionally, a gimbal (not shown) may beused to attach shafts 3320A and/or 3320B with flat panel display 3310and/or base 3306, respectively. Retaining assembly 3324B securesflexible joint 3322A to tubular member 3326.

[0356] Also shown in FIG. 33B, are a plurality of peripheral ports 3316and a power button 3314, located within the rear exterior portion of thebottom portion 3306 of base 3306. Particular types of ports are detailedwith respect to FIG. 33E, below.

[0357]FIG. 33C is a side view of a computer system 3300 including a flatpanel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302 according to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 33C,computer system 3300 is viewed from the right hand side. Bottom portion3306B of base 3306 may include a plurality of ventilation apertures 3326used to cool the electronic components housed within the interior ofbase 3306.

[0358]FIG. 33D is a front view of a computer system 3300 including aflat panel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly (not shown) according to one embodiment of the invention. Flatpanel display 3310 includes a viewing area 3310A. Base 3306 includes anaperture 3308, as previously described.

[0359]FIG. 33E is a rear view of a computer system 3300 including a flatpanel display 3310 and a moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302 according to one embodiment of the invention. Flat paneldisplay 3310 includes a rear portion 3310B to which a distal end ofmoveable assembly 3302 is attached. As shown, a plurality of peripheralports and system controls 3314, 3328, 3329, 3330, 3332, 3334, 3336,3338, 3340, 3342, and 3344 may be included within base portion 3306B.Such ports and controls include but are not limited to: power button,microphone jack, speaker jack, Ethernet port, power plug, analog ordigital telephone jack, infrared port, USB port, Firewire port, systemreset button, and other computer system-related ports and controls.

[0360]FIG. 33F is another side view of a computer system 3300 includinga flat panel display 3310 and moveable base 3306 coupled with a moveableassembly 3302 according to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 33F,computer system 3300 is viewed from the left hand side.

[0361] Referring now to FIG. 34, there is shown a simplified sectionalside view of a computer system 3400 usable with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Computer system 3400 includes a base 3406 to which isattached one end of a moveable assembly 3401. The other end of moveableassembly 3401 is attached to a flat panel display device (FPDD) 3404. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 34, the moveable assembly 3401 is amechanical linkage that supports the weight of FPDD 3404 as it is movedin one or more degrees of freedom relative to a weighted, moveable base3406, which rests on a support surface such as a desk, table, or othersubstantially planar support surface. Alternatively, the end of moveableassembly 3401 attached to base 3406 (or the base 3406 itself) could bemounted on a wall or other support device.

[0362] It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the inventionshown in FIGS. 34-39, and described below, use a novel four-bar linkage(e.g. closed loop mechanism), which generally includes three movinglinks, one fixed link, and four pin joints. For example, one embodimentof the invention includes a ground link (e.g. base biscuit) 3410B, aninput link (e.g. canoes) 3401 (which correspond to canoes 3502A and3502B in FIG. 35), an output link (e.g. compression rod) 3412, and acoupler link (e.g. display biscuit) 3410A. The uniqueness of thedisclosed and claimed embodiments is that the packaging creates anillusion that an apparatus other than a four-bar linkage is used becausethe output link (e.g. compression rod) 3412 is hidden inside thestructure of the input link (e.g. canoes) 3401.

[0363] It will be appreciated that a variety of relative motions of thecoupler link (e.g. display biscuit) relative to the ground link (e.g.base biscuit) can be generated by varying the lengths of each of thelengths and the relative angles at which they attach to each other.Thus, the lengths of the input link (e.g. canoes) 3401 and output link(e.g. compression rod) 3412 may have the same or different lengths.Preferably, however, the lengths of the input link (e.g. canoes) 3401and the output link (e.g. compression rod) 3412 are approximately thesame. In such a configuration, the coupler link (e.g. display biscuit)3410A maintains its orientation relative to the ground link (e.g. basebiscuit) 3410B throughout the range of motion.

[0364] One embodiment of the invention uses connector links 3410A and3410B on either end of the four-bar linkage (e.g. moveable assembly).The moveable assembly may be made by coupling round, disk shaped members3410A and 3410B, together with an input link (e.g. compression rod)3412, and an output link (e.g. canoes) 3401 to form a closed-loopapparatus. In a unique embodiment, the output link (e.g. canoes) 3401forms the exterior of the mechanism (e.g. moveable assembly), andconceals the compression rod 3412 and counterbalance spring 3408assembly within its interior. The output link 3401 may be formed of two,semi-cylindrical sections (e.g. canoes) (3502A and 3502B in FIG. 35)with half-spheres on either end. When the canoes are fastened together,the result is an outside skin that functions both as an aesthetic coverand as the output link for the four-bar mechanism.

[0365] One of several unique features associated with the embodimentshown in FIG. 34, is that the counterbalancing spring 3408 and amoveable link (e.g. compression rod) 3412 of the four-bar mechanicallinkage are housed within a cosmetic arm 3402 that acts as a fixed link.Cosmetic arm 3402 is formed of canoes 3502A and 3502B assembledtogether. The term “moveable link” means a link that moves relative to afixed link. Unlike a fixed link, the angle(s) at which a moveable linkattaches to a coupler link (e.g. display biscuit) 3410A and to a groundlink (e.g. base biscuit) 3410B change as the four-bar linkage is raisedand lowered. In the unique four-bar linkage shown in FIG. 34, canoes3401 function as a fixed link when coupled to the center portions ofdisplay biscuit 3410A and ground biscuit 3410B. Thus, the angle at whichcanoes 3401 contact biscuits 3410A and 3410B remains substantiallyconstant as the four-bar linkage is raised and lowered.

[0366] On the other hand, end 3412A of internal compression rod 3412 isattached to an off-center portion of ground biscuit 3410B. The other endof rod 3412 is attached at a corresponding off-center portion of displaybiscuit 3410A. When the four bar linkage is moved up and down, thelengths of compression rod 3412 and canoes 3401 do not change. However,the angle(s) at which compression rod 3412 attaches to biscuits 3410Aand 3410B change relative to the angle(s) at which canoes 3401 attach tobiscuits 3401A and 3410B. Thus, compression rod 3412 is said to “move”relative to canoes 3401. This movement occurs, in part, becausecompression rod 3412 is mounted to each biscuit a distance off center ofthe biscuit's center, which creates a path length change.

[0367] Referring to FIGS. 34, 35, 39A and 39B, spring 3408 includes anend 3408B and an end 3408A. Spring 3408 is a compression springcompressed between a spring core 3430 attached to canoes 3401 (whichcorrespond to canoes 3502A and 3502B in FIG. 35) and a pair of springstruts 3440 attached to an off center portion of ground biscuit 3410B(which corresponds to biscuit 3503 in FIG. 35). Spring core 3430includes a first end 3431 that attaches to a rod 3416 which attaches tothe interior of canoes 3502A and 3502B. A second end 3432 of spring core3430 contains a flanged portion 3433 that mates with end 3408A of spring3408. Spring struts 3440 include first ends 3441 that attach to an offcenter portion of base biscuit 3410B (which corresponds to base biscuit3503 in FIG. 35), and second ends 3442 having eared portions 3443 thatmate with end 3408B of spring 3408. In this manner, pre-tensioned spring3408 exerts a restoring force along the length of spring core 3430 andspring struts 3440 that acts to push flanged portion 3433 and earedportion 3443 apart.

[0368] Referring again to FIG. 34, it will be appreciated that thespring 3408 is not necessary to the operation of the four-bar linkage.Rather spring 3408 is provided, in one embodiment to counterbalance theweight of a flat panel display 3404 attached to display biscuit 3410A,such that the display feels substantially weightless to a user when theuser grabs the display and attempts to move it. It will also beappreciated that the path length of spring 3408 changes as the four-barlinkage (e.g. moveable assembly) is moved up and down. For example, inone embodiment, spring 3408 expands as the four-bar linkage is raised,and contracts as the four-bar linkage is lowered. In its contractedstate, spring 3408 stores potential energy. This stored energy isreleased to assist the user when spring 3408 expands during upwardmovement of display 3404.

[0369] Referring again to FIG. 34, cosmetic arm 3402 may also encloseand conceal a display data cable and a power cable for providing displaydata and power to the FPDD 3404. As shown in FIG. 35, base biscuit 3503may include a channel 3507 through which the data and power cable mayrun.

[0370] It will be appreciated that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 34,35, and 39 are illustrative only in that they can be scaled or modifiedto accommodate a wide variety of FPDD's 3404 of different weights andsizes. Additionally, the cosmetic appearance of the embodiment of FIG.34 may be modified to fit the needs of a particular user or consumer.

[0371] In one embodiment, the physical specifications associated withcomputer system 3400 are as follows: Arm 3402 has a diameter ofapproximately 42.0 mm; rotational frictional elements (biscuits) 3410Aand 3410B have centers spaced approximately 160.0 mm apart; and FPDD3404 weighs approximately 4.94 lbs ±10%. Regarding the range of motionprovided in one embodiment, moveable assembly 3401 may yaw approximately±90.0 degrees from side to side; arm 3402 may pitch up and downapproximately ±90.0 degrees from the horizontal to the vertical; andFPDD 3404 may pitch approximately −5.0 degrees to approximately +30.0degrees from vertical display orientation.

[0372] When manufacturing a computer system 3400 such as that shown inFIG. 34, it is desirable, but not necessary, that the system have one ormore of the following characteristics. The display 3404 should be easilymoved throughout the entire range of motion (when it is desired to moveit). When the user has stopped moving the display, display 3404 shouldremain fixed at any point within the range of motion without noticeablesagging or backlash. During movement of display 3404, the motion of themoveable assembly 3402 should be smooth and silent (e.g. no “spronging”or other spring noises) and the friction feel should be constant,regardless of position or direction of motion. The moveable assembly3402 should have no pinch points, and all cabling (e.g. display, data,and power cables) should be internal to the mechanism and not visible.Additionally, the moveable assembly 3402 should be designed for at leasta 15,000 cycle lifetime without degradation of performance. The weightand size of the base 3406, arm 3402 and display 3404 should be lightenough that one adult person, and even a child, can move the wholecomputer system (base, containing the majority of the electricalcomponents of the computer system, arm and display) without anyassistance and the base should be sufficiently heavy that it can supportthe whole computer system, with the display at a wide variety oflocations, without requiring that the base be fixedly attached to thesurface (e.g., a desk) on which it rests.

[0373]FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of themoveable assembly 3402 of FIG. 34. As shown in FIG. 35, component partsof moveable assembly 3402 include a first canoe 3502A designed to couplewith a second canoe 3502B, and in so doing, to conceal various innerparts such as base rotation assembly 3503 and display mounting assembly3505. A spring 3408 and a compression link 3412 may also be concealedwithin canoes 3502A and 3502B. Rod 3416 may be used to coupled springcore 3430 to canoes 3502A and 3502B.

[0374]FIG. 36 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of abase biscuit assembly 360.0 (which corresponds to base biscuit 3410B).Biscuit plate 3607 contains an adjustment mechanism and incorporatesratcheting features of that mechanism. Positioned behind the biscuitplate 3607, the counterbalance adjustment cam 3605 provides a way tochange the effective moment arm of the counterbalance spring to allowfor differences in display weight due to manufacturing tolerances. Theoperation of this cam is described in more detail in FIGS. 43A and 43B.

[0375] Friction element 3606, in one embodiment, is a conventionalpivoting element that provides enough friction in the display pitchmotion to effectively mask any inaccuracies in the counterbalance. Thebase arm pitch joint housing (e.g. biscuit) 3610 provides pivot jointsfor the arm, parallelogram linkage, and counterbalance spring. In oneembodiment, a base yaw joint (not shown) includes a pair of planebearings preloaded against each other to minimize bearing slop and toprovide joint friction to control the motion of the flat panel displaydevice. An extension post 3662 extends from the biscuit 3610 to visuallyseparate the arm (not shown) from the base (not shown). During yawrotation, the base flange 3601 remains fixed, while the extension postrotates. Base flange (or mounting flange) 3601 provides an interface forattaching the extension to the base (not shown). Various sub-componentsof base rotation assembly 3600 further include a wave washer 3609, wavespring 3612, washers 3613 and 3618, and retaining ring 3614.

[0376]FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a display mountingassembly 3700, according to one embodiment of the invention, the majorcomponents of which are: a display hub 3702, a friction element 3704, acounterbalance spring 3705, a display joint housing (biscuit) 3707, anda mounting flange 3709 and extension tube 3713. Display hub 3702 is aportion of the display mounting assembly 3700 that remains rotationallyfixed relative to the base 3406 (not shown in FIG. 37) and provides ahorizontal reference frame for display pitch rotation. Friction element3704 includes an extension tube 3713 and friction elements containedwithin a friction housing 3706. Friction element 3704 is fixed relativeto the biscuit 3707. Counterbalance spring 3705 is a torsion spring thatbiases the display upwards to counteract the downward gravitationalmoment. Display joint housing (biscuit) 3707 provides a housing for thepitch friction and counterbalance elements, and the display hub. Themounting flange 3709 and extension tube 3713 are integral to the biscuit3707, and the display (not shown) does not rotate about axis ofextension tube 3713. Also included within assembly 3700 are nylon washer3712, steel washer 3711, retaining ring 3708, and limit stop 3710.

[0377]FIG. 38 is an exploded, perspective view of a moveable assembly3800 according to one embodiment of the invention. Moveable assembly3800 corresponds to moveable assembly 3402 in FIG. 34. In oneembodiment, moveable assembly 3800 includes a first canoe 3801A, asecond canoe 3801B, bearings 3803A, 3803B, 3807A, 3807B, spring assembly3809, and compression link 3805. Canoes 3801A and B are hollow,rectangular, half-tubular sections having rounded exterior ends. Whenassembled, canoes 3801A and 3801B couple with the biscuit of a baserotation assembly (not shown) and with the biscuit of a display mountingassembly (not shown) to conceal compression link 3805 and springassembly 3809. Additionally, one or more data, power, or other computersystem-related cables may be concealed within the hollow portion ofcanoes 3801A and 3801B.

[0378] Also called “case halves”, canoes 3801A and 3801B mate togetherto form the main structural element of the extension. Bearings 3803A,3803B, 3807A, and 3807B, are pressed into bores in the canoes 3801A and3801B to provide rotational joints for the biscuits (not shown).Compression link 3805, together with the moveable assembly 3800 itself,couples the rotation of the up per and lower biscuits, and also supportsthe moment loads at the display end. One end of spring assembly 3809 isattached to the lower biscuit of the base rotation assembly (not shown),while the other end is attached to an inner portion of canoes 3801A and3801B via rod 3821. Spring assembly 3809 provides a force to counteractthe gravitational moment on the arm and the display. Spring assembly3809 compresses as the moveable assembly 3800 moves downwards, butextends as the moveable assembly 3800 moves upwards.

[0379]FIGS. 39A and 39B show views of the spring assembly 3900 (whichcorresponds to the spring assemblies 3408 and 3809 of FIG. 34 and FIG.38, respectively). FIG. 39A is an exploded, perspective view of oneembodiment of a spring assembly 3900, showing various internal componentparts associated therewith. Such parts include, but are not limited to:a spring core 3430, spring struts 3440, glide bearings 3903, and spring3408 (as shown in FIG. 39B). FIG. 39B is a perspective view of anassembled spring assembly 3900, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

[0380] As shown in FIGS. 39A and 39B, spring core 3430 is a rectangular,tubular shaped member having a proximal end 3432, a distal end 3431, anda middle portion 3435. An annular flange (or lip) 3433 is provided onthe proximal end 3432 to mate with one end 3408A of spring 3408, whenspring core 3430 is inserted within the interior of spring 3408. Thespring core's distal end 3431 protrudes past the opposite end 3408B ofspring 3408 and contains a bore 3460 therethrough, which is used tocouple spring core 3430 with canoes 3502A and 3502B. A pair of springstruts 3440 fit within a corresponding pair of grooves 3437 runninglongitudinally along the sides of spring core 3430. A corresponding pairof glide bearings 3903 mate with the exterior surfaces of spring struts3440 such that spring 3408 smoothly and easily compresses and expandsalong the middle portion 3435 of spring core 3430.

[0381] Spring struts 3440 have a proximal ends 3441 and distal ends3442. The distal ends 3441 are bowed slightly outwards to form a pair ofears 3443 separated by an empty space into which a biscuit (not shown)may slidably and rotatably fit. A corresponding set of bores 3911 isprovided in the proximal ends 3441 to attach spring struts 3440 to thebiscuit of a base mounting assembly. The distal ends 3442 are flaredoutwards to mate with the end 3408B of spring 3408 as shown in FIG. 39B.0368Referring again to FIG. 34, in one embodiment, the torsion spring3411 (not shown) used to counter-balance a display pitch has an outerdiameter of approximately 0.840 inches (free), a wire diameter ofapproximately 0.075 inches, and a spring rate of approximately 0.067in-lbs/degree. Additionally, a right-hand wind spring having an innerdiameter of approximately 0.767 inches and a 0.403 inch body length at aapproximately a 9.0 in-lb working load may be used.

[0382] In one embodiment, a left-hand wound compression spring 3408 hasan outer diameter of approximately 0.75 inches, a wire diameter ofapproximately 0.095 inches, a spring rate of 17 lbs/in, and a freelength of approximately 7.0 inches. It will be appreciated that thespring specifications given are meant only as illustrations, and thatvarious springs having other specifications may be used in variousembodiments of the invention.

[0383]FIG. 40 is a force diagram illustrating one embodiment of acomputer system 4000 that includes a base 4030 attached to one end of amoveable assembly 4040 and a flat panel display device 4050 attached tothe other end of the moveable assembly 4040, in which a display weight4010 is counterbalanced using a spring force 4020.

[0384] In FIG. 40, a spring counterbalance mechanism is used to supportthe weight of the display 4050 and its moveable assembly 4040. Thisconfiguration allows adjustment of the display position with minimaluser effort. One of several illustrative advantages associated with thisapproach is that, for the linkage geometry shown, it is theoreticallypossible to precisely counterbalance the gravity load for all armpositions. If a spring with precisely the required rate and preload isused, and the linkage geometry is correct, the resulting spring forcewill always generate a moment around the base pivot that is equal andopposite to the moment of the display gravity load. In other words, thedisplay will seem to “float”, restrained only by the resisting effectsof bearing friction. (Some non-zero joint friction in the mechanism is adesirable feature, so that the display position will remain stable inspite of minor bumps or other disturbances). The characteristics of theideal compensation are shown in FIG. 40.

[0385] In practice, the spring characteristics, linkage geometry, anddisplay weight cannot be precisely controlled, and some counterbalancingerrors will always occur. Accordingly, the moveable assembly 4040includes an adjustment mechanism that allows each system to be adjustedto minimize compensation errors, and also employs joint friction tostabilize the display and to mask any remaining errors.

[0386]FIG. 41 is a graph depicting illustrative counter-balance sum ofmoments for one embodiment of a moveable assembly. As shown, in FIG. 41,the most torque is experienced when moveable assembly is in thesubstantially horizontal position (e.g. approximately 0.0 degrees). Asthe moveable assembly is raised, torque decreases, as indicated by thedownward curving data line.

[0387]FIG. 42 is a graph depicting illustrative counter-balance sum ofmoments with error bars for one embodiment of a moveable assembly. Asshown, in FIG. 42, the most torque is experienced when moveable assemblyis in the substantially horizontal position (e.g. approximately 0.0degrees). As the downward curving data line indicates, the torquedecreases as the moveable assembly is raised.

[0388] In one embodiment, the moveable assembly is very sensitive tomovement because the moment mismatch between the display and the springhas been reduced as much as possible. Although when viewing the graph inFIG. 41 the mismatch appears small, the error can become quite large assoon as some reasonable manufacturing tolerances are introduced. Sourcesof error include manufacturing tolerances in display weight, springconstant, spring free length, as well as dimensional tolerances in themechanism.

[0389] In order to compensate for tolerances, the moveable assembly maybe tunable. After each unit is assembled in production, it may beadjusted to compensate for the particular spring, display, and everyother part that went into it. By doing this, the error bars in FIG. 42can be drastically reduced. With reference to FIGS. 43A and 43B, thetuning is performed by rotating the spring pivot cam 4301 (whichcorresponds to cam 3605) in the base biscuit. This moves the anchorpoint of the spring assembly up and down, thereby increasing ordecreasing the moment arm (length) of the spring 3408 (not shown inthese figures). Adjusting the moment arm of the spring allows thefour-bar linkage (e.g. moveable assembly) to be optimally tuned to theweight of a particular flat panel display attached to the other end ofthe moveable assembly. Positioning cam 4301 in a first position about10.0 mm off center of the base biscuit 3410B, as shown in FIG. 43A,creates a shorter moment arm, which creates additional compression ofspring 3408, and thus stores more potential energy. The additionalpotential energy may be useful in counterbalancing heavier flat paneldisplays. On the other hand, positioning cam 4301 in a second positionabout 14.0 mm off center of base biscuit 3410B, as shown in FIG. 43B,lengthens the moment arm, which lessens the compression of spring 3408(of FIG. 34), and thus stores less potential energy. The lesserpotential energy may be useful in counterbalancing lighter flat paneldisplays.

[0390]FIG. 44 is a graph depicting counter-balance with manufacturingerror bars after tuning for one embodiment of a moveable assembly. Asshown in FIG. 44, tuning greatly reduces the error bars.

[0391] It will be appreciated that the user force when operating variousembodiments of the moveable assembly must be carefully controlled. In africtionless system, the sum of moments varies between 0.19 and −0.28in-lbs, meaning that the force required to move the display variesbetween around 0.03 and 0.04 lbs, depending upon the arm angle. In anabsolute sense, there is a very small difference between the two values,but the sign change alone results in a very perceivable variance infeel. This effect is magnified when reasonable manufacturing tolerancesare considered. However, the effect is diminished as extra friction isadded. If an extra 5 in-lbs of friction were added to the system, theresulting sum of moments would range between 5.03 and 4.96 in-lbs, andthe corresponding user force would range between approximately 0.80 andapproximately 0.79 lbs. In which case, the same absolute difference isonly about 1.4% of the total user force.

[0392]FIG. 45 is a graph depicting the pitch counter-balance sum ofmoments for one embodiment of a moveable assembly. Pitch refers totilting the flat panel display device without moving the moveableassembly. As shown in FIG. 45, the torque decreases as the angle of tiltincreases.

[0393] In addition to the moveable assembly being counter-balanced, thepitch angle of the display is also counter-balanced, but with a torsionspring, given the size constraints and the smaller moment load. Althoughthis approach cannot counter-balance as well as the approach used forthe main arm, reasonable friction in the joint is more than adequate tomask any errors that may arise.

[0394]FIG. 46 is a sectional, perspective view of an assembled moveableassembly 4600 according to one embodiment of the invention. Left canoe4601A and right canoe 4601B are mated together to form a hollow tubularstructure, within which are housed spring 4603, spring guide bearings4605, spring strut 4607, spring core 4609, and compression rod 4611. Oneor more data, power, or other computer system-related cables may bepositioned within the area 4613 between the exterior of spring 4603 andthe interior wall of canoe 4601B. It will be appreciated that the size,shape, and positioning of area 4613 is illustrative only, and that othersizes, shapes, and positioning are included within the scope and spiritof the present invention.

[0395] It will be appreciated that many kinds and combinations ofmaterials may be used to manufacture the various components of themoveable assembly depicted in FIGS. 34-39. Illustratively, the biscuitsmay be machined from aluminum, while the canoes may be cast fromaluminum. Other components, such as washers and the compression rod, maybe manufactured of such materials as nylon and stainless steel,respectively. The materials used to manufacture various other componentparts will be well known to persons skilled in the engineering andmanufacturing arts.

[0396]FIG. 47 shows another example of one embodiment of a moveableassembly 4702 which may be used with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Computer controlled display system 4700 includes a basecomputer system 4703, a moveable assembly 4702, and a flat panel displaydevice (FPDD) 4701. Moveable assembly 4702 includes a series of stackedball-and-socket assemblies 4705.

[0397] Base computer system 4703 may be similar to the base computersystem 242A of FIG. 2A. It includes many of the typical components of acomputer system and has been designed in both size and weight toadequately and stably support the FPDD 4701 at a variety of differentpositions. For example, the base computer system 4703 may be designedwith sufficient weight such that, without physically attaching the basecomputer system 4703 (except through gravity) to the surface 4704, thebase computer system 4703 will allow the FPDD 4701 to be extended outbeyond the edge of the base computer system 4703 as shown in FIG. 47without causing the whole system 4700 to overturn. Thus the entiresystem 4700 allows the FPDD 4701 to be positioned at any one of amultitude of locations in which the FPDD 4701 can be positioned giventhe extent of reach provided by the moveable assembly 4702.

[0398] Moveable assembly 4702 provides the ability to move the FPDD inat least three degrees of freedom and preferably six degrees of freedom(X,Y, Z, pitch, yaw, and roll). The term “pitch” includes a movement ofthe top edge of the flat panel display toward or away from a user. Theterm “yaw” includes a movement of a left edge or a right edge of theflat panel display toward or away from a user. The term “roll” includesa rotational movement of a top left corner or a top right corner of theflat panel display about an axis orthogonal to a display surface of theflat panel display. In one embodiment, moveable assembly 4702 terminatesin a gimbal joint 4706 which may be coupled to the FPDD 4701 to allowmovement of the FPDD 4701 relative to the moveable assembly 4702. In oneembodiment, at least one cable (not shown) may be disposed withinmoveable assembly 4702. In one embodiment, the cable may include a data,tension, torsion, power, antenna, and other computer system relatedcables. In another embodiment, at least one tube (not shown) may bedisposed within moveable assembly 4702. In one embodiment, the tube mayprovide a pressurized fluid with moveable assembly 4702.

[0399] In one embodiment, the system 4700 may be designed to support aFPDD 4701 weighing in the range of approximately 5.0 lbs toapproximately 6.0 lbs, at approximately 25.0 lbs of user force. In otherembodiments, the system 4700 may be designed to support lighter orheavier loads. Illustratively, the length of the moveable assembly 4702may range from approximately 7.0 inches to approximately 48.0 inches. Inone exemplary embodiment, the moveable assembly 4702 may beapproximately 15.0 inches in length. In other embodiments, other lengthsof moveable assembly 4702 may be used.

[0400]FIG. 48A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a link 4801of the moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47. Link 4801 includes aball 4802, a bore 4806, at least one leaf 4804, and a socket 4803. Inone embodiment, link 4801 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy, aceramic, a plastic, or combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments,other rigid materials may be used.

[0401]FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional side view of link 4801 taken alongthe line A-A in FIG. 48A. FIG. 48B shows link 4801, bore 4806, ball4802, leaf 4804, bore 4805, socket 4803, bore 4807, cavity 4809 andcavity 4808.

[0402] Referring to FIGS. 48A, 48B, in one embodiment, link 4801 may bemade of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, or combinationsthereof. In alternative embodiments, other rigid materials may be used.In one embodiment, ball 4802 of link 4801 may be substantially sphericaland substantially hollow, defining a cavity 4809. Bore 4806 provides anopening in ball 4802. Ball 4802 may be coupled to socket 4803, so thatlink 4801 may have a ball 4802 at one end and a socket 4803 at anotherend. Socket 4803 may be substantially spherical and substantiallyhollow, defining a cavity 4808. In one embodiment, socket 4803 may havea diameter that is greater than a diameter of ball 4802. Socket 4803includes a bore 4807, providing an opening in socket 4803. Bore 4805 maybe provided between cavity 4809 and cavity 4808. In one embodiment, atleast one cable or tube (not shown) may be disposed within bore 4805.Leaf 4804 may be flexibly coupled to ball 4802. In one embodiment, aplurality of leaves 4804 may be coupled to ball 4802. In one embodiment,leaf 4804 may be made of a different material than ball 4802. In oneembodiment, ball 4802 may be provided with a friction pad. A frictionpad may be an area of material that is capable of generating morefriction with a socket than the material of which the rest of ball 4802is composed of. In one embodiment, leaf 4804 may be provided with afriction pad.

[0403]FIG. 49 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of alink 4901 and brake assembly 4914. Brake assembly 4914 may be disposedwithin ball 4902 of link 4901. Brake assembly 4914 includes tubing 4908,seal plate 4909, bladder 4910, structural member 4911, seal plate 4912,and tubing 4913.

[0404] Tubing 4908 may be coupled to seal plate 4909 near bore 4915 ofseal plate 4909. Seal plate 4909 may be coupled to bladder 4910.Structural member 4911 may be disposed within bladder 4910. Bladder 4910may be coupled to seal plate 4912. Tubing 4913 may be coupled to sealplate 4912 near bore 4916. In one embodiment, tubing 4908 and 4913, sealplates 4909 and 4912, and bladder 4910 may be coupled such that a sealedchamber is formed, so that a common pressure may be maintained withintubing 4908, 4913 and bladder 4910.

[0405] Tubing 4908 and 4913 may be flexible cylindrical structures whichmay be suitable to convey fluids within them, without expandingsubstantially under pressure. In one embodiment, tubing 4908 and 4913may be made of plastic, rubber, vinyl, or other materials which areflexible and suitable for conveying fluids under pressure. Seal plates4909 and 4912 may be substantially disk shaped, each having a bore 4915,4916, respectively, disposed near their centers. In one embodiment, sealplates 4909, 4912 serve to axially constrain bladder 4910 within ball4902, so that bladder 4910 may be disposed near leaf 4904. Seal plates4909, 4912 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic,or combinations thereof. In alternative embodiments, other rigidmaterials may be used. Bladder 4910 may be substantially cylindrical,and may be disposed between seal plates 4909 and 4912. Bladder 4910 maybe made of a material capable of expansion under pressure. In oneembodiment, bladder 4910 may be made of rubber. In alternativeembodiments, other expandable materials may be used. Structural member4911 may be disposed within bladder 4910 to provide structural supportto bladder 4910 when bladder 4910 is in a relaxed state. In anotherembodiment, structural member 4911 may serve to direct force radiallyoutward from the center of bladder 4910. Structural member 4911 may bemade of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, or combinationsthereof. In alternative embodiments, other rigid materials may be used.

[0406]FIG. 50A shows a side view of one embodiment of a ball-and-socketassembly 5001 of the moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 50Bis a cross-sectional side view of ball-and-socket assembly 5001 takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 50A. FIG. 50B shows ball-and-socket assembly5001, tubing 5018, bore 5025, seal plate 5019, bladder 5020, structuralmember 5021, bore 5026, tubing 5023, link 5002, cavity 5006, socket5004, leaf 5014, ball 5005, seal plate 5022 and link 5003.

[0407] Referring now to FIGS. 50A, 50B, ball-and-socket assembly 5001includes ball 5005 of link 5003 disposed within cavity 5006 of socket5004 of link 5002. Link 5002 and link 5003 may be adjacently stackedlinks in the moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47. When bladder 5020is in a relaxed state, ball 5005 may rotate freely within socket 5004,so that moveable assembly 4702 may be positioned into a desiredconfiguration by adjusting the angle and rotation between adjacentlystacked links 5002, 5003. Once a desired shape of moveable assembly 4702is achieved, the shape may be retained by applying a pressure withinmoveable assembly 4702. Pressure may be applied to bladder 5020 throughtubing 5018 and/or tubing 5023. In one embodiment, tubing 5018, 5023,seal plates 5019, 5022 and bladder 5020 are coupled so that a commonpressure may be maintained within tubing 5018, 5023 and bladder 5020, sothat an increase of pressure within tubing 5018 or tubing 5023 willresult in an increased pressure within bladder 5020. An increasedpressure within bladder 5020 may cause bladder 5020 to expand. In oneembodiment, a pressure within bladder 5020 may be increased, causingbladder 5020 to expand radially outwards against leaf 5014, therebyforcing leaf 5014 to flex outwards from ball 5005 against the innersurface of socket 5004. Pressure within bladder 5020 may continue to beincreased until the friction generated between leaf 5014 and socket 5004may be sufficient to suspend movement of ball 5005 within socket 5004.In one embodiment, leaf 5014 may be made of a different material thanball 5005. In one embodiment, leaf 5014 may be provided with a frictionpad. For example, in one embodiment leaf 5014 may be made of a materialthat may be capable of generating more friction with socket 5004 thanthe material of which ball 5005 may be made of.

[0408] In one embodiment, the pressure applied to bladder 5020 may be ahydraulic pressure. In one embodiment, water may be used to generatepressure within bladder 5020. In alternative embodiments, other liquidsmay be used. In yet another embodiment, the pressure applied to thebladder 5020 may be a pneumatic pressure.

[0409] Pressure within bladder 5020 may be generated by an actuationdevice. The actuation device may suspend movement of the moveableassembly when a pressure is applied within bladder 5020, and may permitmovement of the moveable assembly when the pressure within bladder 5020is lessened. In one embodiment, the actuation device may be a pump. Whena user wants to change the shape of moveable assembly 4702, theactuation device may momentarily release the pressure within themoveable assembly 4702, thereby unlocking the moveable assembly, andpermitting movement of balls within their respective sockets. Thedecreased pressure may cause bladder 5020 to relax, thereby reducing theradial force applied to leaf 5014. As the force exerted by bladder 5020on leaf 5014 decreases, leaf 5014 may return to its relaxed position,thereby reducing the amount of friction between ball 5005 and socket5004. As the friction between ball 5005 and socket 5004 reduces, ball5005 may rotate within socket 5004, so that moveable assembly 4702 maybe moved. Once the desired shape is attained, the user may activate theactuation device, and a pressure may be applied within moveable assembly4702, thereby suspending movement of the moveable assembly 4702 byincreasing the amount of friction between ball 5005 and socket 5004.

[0410]FIG. 51A shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of analternative configuration of a bladder 5103 within a ball-and-socketassembly 5100. Ball-and-socket assembly 5100 includes tubing 5104,bladder 5103, socket 5101, ball 5105 and leaf 5102. Ball 5105 may bedisposed within socket 5101. Bladder 5103 may be disposed within ball5105. Bladder 5103 may be substantially toroidal, and may be coupled totubing 5104. Bladder 5103 may be expandable, so that when pressure isapplied within bladder 5103 via tubing 5104, bladder 5103 may expandradially outward against leaf 5102. In one embodiment, tubing 5104 maycouple adjacent bladders of adjacent ball-and-socket assemblies. In oneembodiment, tubing 5104 may couple adjacent ball-and-socket assembliesso that a common pressure may be maintained between adjacent bladders.In another embodiment, tubing 5104 may be substantially coiled, withtoroidal bladders 5103 interspersed between tubing 5104 at eachball-and-socket assembly 5100.

[0411]FIG. 51B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of analternative configuration of a bladder 5113 within a ball-and-socketassembly 5110. Ball-and-socket assembly 5110 may include tubing 5114,bladder 5113, socket 5111, ball 5115 and leaf 5112. Bladder 5113 may besubstantially spherical, and may be disposed within ball 5115. Bladder5113 may be coupled to tubing 5114. Bladder 5113 may be expandable underpressure, so that when pressure is applied within bladder 5113 viatubing 5114, bladder 5113 expands radially outward against leaf 5112. Inone embodiment, tubing 5114 fluidly interconnects adjacent bladders 5113of adjacent ball-and-socket assemblies 5110. In one embodiment, a cable5116 may be disposed within tubing 5114. Cable 5116 may be one of adata, tension, torsion, power, antenna, and other computer systemrelated cables.

[0412]FIG. 52A shows a side view of one embodiment of a ball-and-socketassembly 5201 of the moveable assembly 4702 shown in FIG. 47. FIG. 52Bshows a cross-sectional side view of ball-and-socket assembly 5201 takenalong the line A-A in FIG. 52A. Referring now to FIGS. 52A, 52B,ball-and-socket assembly 5201 includes links 5208, 5209, balls 5210,5206, sockets 5205, 5211, bores 5203, 5204, and cavities 5213, 5207,5212. Bores 5203 and 5204 may fluidly interconnect cavities 5213, 5207,5212.

[0413] In one embodiment, links 5208, 5209 may be made of a metal, ametal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, or combinations thereof. Inalternative embodiments, other rigid materials may be used. In oneembodiment, balls 5206, 5210 may be substantially spherical andsubstantially hollow, defining cavities 5207 and 5213, respectively.Ball 5206 may be coupled to socket 5211, so that link 5209 may have aball 5206 at one end and a socket 5211 at another end. Ball 5210 may becoupled to socket 5205, so that link 5208 has a ball 5210 at one end anda socket 5205 at another end. Sockets 5205 and 5211 may be substantiallyspherical and substantially hollow. In one embodiment, socket 5205 mayhave a diameter that is greater than a diameter of ball 5206. Link 5208may include a bore 5203 which fluidly couples cavities 5213 and 5207.Link 5209 may include a bore 520.4 which fluidly couples cavities 5207and 5212. In one embodiment, at least one cable (not shown) may bedisposed within bores 5203 and 5204. In one embodiment, the cable mayinclude a data, tension, torsion, power, antenna, and other computersystem related cables.

[0414] Ball 5206 may be disposed within socket 5205 so that a sealedcavity 5207 may be formed. In one embodiment, ball-and-socket assembly5201 has at least one seal (not shown) disposed between ball 5207 andsocket 5205 to create a sealed cavity 5207. In one embodiment, ball 5206may be composed of a material that may be capable of flexing underpressure. In one exemplary embodiment, ball 5206 may be composed of aplastic. When moveable assembly 4702 is in an unlocked state, ball 5206may rotate freely within socket 5205, thereby permitting adjustment ofmoveable assembly 4702 into a desired position by varying the angles androtations of adjacent links 5208, 5209. The moveable assembly 4702 maybe locked into the desired position by increasing the pressure withinsealed cavity 5207. In one embodiment, as the pressure within cavity5207 increases, ball 5206 may flex so that ball 5206 frictionallycontacts the inner surface of socket 5205. Pressure within cavity 5207may increase until the friction between ball 5206 and socket 5205 may bestrong enough to suspend movement of ball 5206 within socket 5205. Inone embodiment, the pressure applied to cavity 5207 may be a pneumaticpressure. In another embodiment, the pressure applied to the bladder5207 may be a hydraulic pressure.

[0415] In another embodiment, ball 5206 includes at least one leaf (notshown) capable of flexing outwards from ball 5206 under pressure. Anincreased pressure within cavity 5207 may cause a leaf coupled to ball5206 to flex outwards from ball 5206 against socket 5205. The pressurewithin cavity 5207 may be increased until the friction between the leafand socket 5205 may be strong enough to suspend movement of ball 5206within socket 5205.

[0416] Pressure within cavity 5207 may be generated by an actuationdevice. The actuation device may suspend movement of the moveableassembly 4702 when a pressure is applied within cavity 5207, and maypermit movement of the moveable assembly 4702 when the pressure withincavity 5207 is lessened. In one embodiment, the actuation device may bea pump. To change a shape of moveable assembly 4702, the actuationdevice may momentarily release the pressure within the moveable assembly4702, thereby unlocking the moveable assembly, and permitting movementof a ball 5206 within its respective socket 5205. Once the desired shapeof the moveable assembly 4702 is attained, the user may activate theactuation device, and a pressure may be applied within the moveableassembly 4702 thereby suspending movement of the moveable assembly.

[0417] In one embodiment, a cable (not shown) may be disposed withinball-and-socket assembly 5201. In one embodiment, a cable passes throughbores 5203 and 5204. In one embodiment, the cable 5116 may be one of adata, tension, torsion, power, antenna, and other computer systemrelated cables.

[0418] Selected Terms

[0419] It will be appreciated that at various points in thespecification and claims, various terms are used interchangeably.Accordingly, such terms are to be interpreted consistently with eachother. Terms that are used interchangeably include: “flexible supportmechanism”, “flexible neck”, “neck”, and “moveable assembly”. Additionalterms include “base” and “moveable enclosure”. Further additional termsinclude: “flat panel display device”, “flat panel display”, and“display”. Further additional terms include “spring/piston assembly”,“spring”, “piston”, and “force generator”. It will be appreciated thatadditional terms not specified here, but appearing within thespecification and/or claims, may also be used interchangeably.

[0420] Thus, a computer controlled display device is disclosed. Althoughthe present invention is described herein with reference to a specificpreferred embodiment, many modifications and variations therein willreadily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, allsuch variations and modifications are included within the intended scopeof the present invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer controlled display device, comprising:a flat panel display having an input for receiving display data; amoveable assembly coupled to said display, said moveable assemblyproviding at least three degrees of freedom of movement for said flatpanel display device and having a cross-sectional area which issubstantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structure ofsaid flat panel display, wherein said moveable assembly comprises aplurality of stacked ball-and-socket assemblies, wherein aball-and-socket assembly includes a substantially spherical socket, saidsocket having a cavity defining an inner surface of said socket, and asubstantially spherical ball within said cavity; and an actuation devicecoupled to said moveable assembly, said actuation device suspendingmovement of said moveable assembly when a pressure is applied withinsaid actuation device and permitting said movement when said pressure islessened.
 2. The computer controlled display device of claim 1, whereinsaid pressure is hydraulic pressure.
 3. The computer controlled displaydevice of claim 1, wherein said pressure is pneumatic pressure.
 4. Thecomputer controlled display device of claim 1, wherein said actuationdevice includes a pump to generate said pressure.
 5. The computercontrolled display device of claim 1, wherein disposed within saidmoveable assembly is one of a data cable and a power cable.
 6. Thecomputer controlled display device of claim 1, wherein saidball-and-socket assembly is comprised of a material selected from thegroup consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, andcombinations thereof.
 7. A computer controlled display device,comprising: a flat panel display having an input for receiving displaydata; a moveable assembly coupled to said display, said moveableassembly providing at least three degrees of freedom of movement forsaid flat panel display device and having a cross-sectional area whichis substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a display structureof said flat panel display, wherein said moveable assembly comprises aplurality of stacked ball-and-socket assemblies, wherein aball-and-socket assembly includes a substantially spherical socket, saidsocket having a cavity defining an inner surface of said socket, and asubstantially spherical ball within said cavity; and a brake devicewithin said ball-and-socket assembly, said brake device comprising abladder within said ball, said bladder being expandable, said bladder tosuspend movement of said ball within said cavity when said bladder is inan expanded state.
 8. The computer controlled display device of claim 7,further comprising an actuation device coupled to said moveableassembly, said actuation device suspending movement of said moveableassembly when a pressure is applied within said actuation device andpermitting said movement when said pressure is lessened.
 9. The computercontrolled display device of claim 8, wherein said actuation deviceincludes flexible tubing within said ball-and-socket assembly, saidflexible tubing coupled to said bladder.
 10. The computer controlleddisplay device of claim 9, wherein said pressure is hydraulic pressure.11. The computer controlled display device of claim 9, wherein saidpressure is pneumatic pressure.
 12. The computer controlled displaydevice of claim 9, wherein said brake device comprises a first sealplate and a second seal plate, said bladder disposed between said firstand second seal plates, said first and second seal plates to axiallyconstrain said bladder when said bladder is in said expanded state. 13.The computer controlled display device of claim 12, wherein said brakedevice comprises a structural member disposed within said bladder, saidstructural member to provide support for said bladder.
 14. The computercontrolled display device of claim 9, wherein said bladder issubstantially toroidal.
 15. The computer controlled display device ofclaim 9, wherein said bladder is substantially spherical.
 16. Thecomputer controlled display device of claim 9, wherein said flexibletubing substantially coiled.
 17. The computer controlled display deviceof claim 9, wherein said ball comprises a leaf, said leaf being capableof flexing outward from said ball when said bladder is in said expandedstate.
 18. The computer controlled display device of claim 17, whereinsaid leaf includes a friction pad to apply a force against said innersurface of said socket when said bladder is in said expanded state. 19.The computer controlled display device of claim 8, wherein saidactuation device includes a pump to generate said pressure.
 20. Thecomputer controlled display device of claim 7, wherein disposed withinsaid moveable assembly is one of a data cable and a power cable.
 21. Thecomputer controlled display device of claim 7, wherein saidball-and-socket assembly is comprised of a material selected from thegroup consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, andcombinations thereof.
 22. A computer controlled display system,comprising: a flat panel display having a display surface and an inputfor receiving display data to be displayed on said display surface; amoveable assembly coupled mechanically to said flat panel display, saidmoveable assembly having a cross-sectional area which is substantiallyless than an area of said display surface, said moveable assembly beingmoveable to allow said flat panel display to be selectively positionedin space relative to a user of said computer controlled display system,said moveable assembly including a plurality of stacked ball-and-socketassemblies, wherein a ball-and-socket assembly includes a substantiallyspherical socket, said socket having a cavity defining an inner surfaceof said socket, and a substantially spherical ball within said cavity; abrake device within said ball-and-socket assembly, said brake devicecomprising a bladder within said ball, said bladder being expandable,said bladder to suspend movement of said ball within said cavity whensaid bladder is in an expanded state; and a base coupled mechanically tosaid moveable assembly and to said flat panel display through saidmoveable assembly, said base housing computer components comprising amicroprocessor, a memory, a bus, an I/O (input/output) controller, andan I/O port, wherein said microprocessor is coupled to said input ofsaid flat panel display.
 23. The computer controlled display system ofclaim 22, further comprising an actuation device coupled to saidmoveable assembly, said actuation device suspending movement of saidmoveable assembly when a pressure is applied within said actuationdevice and permitting said movement when said pressure is lessened. 24.The computer controlled display system of claim 23, wherein saidactuation device includes flexible tubing within said ball-and-socketassembly, said flexible tubing coupled to said bladder.
 25. The computercontrolled display system of claim 24, wherein said pressure ishydraulic pressure.
 26. The computer controlled display system of claim24, wherein said pressure is pneumatic pressure.
 27. The computercontrolled display system of claim 24, wherein said brake devicecomprises a first seal plate and a second seal plate, said bladderdisposed between said first and second seal plates, said first andsecond seal plates to axially constrain said bladder when said bladderis in said expanded state.
 28. The computer controlled display system ofclaim 27, wherein said brake device comprises a structural memberdisposed within said bladder, said structural member to provide supportfor said bladder.
 29. The computer controlled display system of claim24, wherein said bladder is substantially toroidal.
 30. The computercontrolled display system of claim 24, wherein said bladder issubstantially spherical.
 31. The computer controlled display system ofclaim 24, wherein said flexible tubing substantially coiled.
 32. Thecomputer controlled display system of claim 24, wherein said ballcomprises a leaf, said leaf being capable of flexing outward from saidball when said bladder is in said expanded state.
 33. The computercontrolled display system of claim 32, wherein said leaf includes afriction pad to apply a force against said inner surface of said socketwhen said bladder is in said expanded state.
 34. The computer controlleddisplay system of claim 23, wherein said actuation device includes apump to generate said pressure.
 35. The computer controlled displaysystem of claim 22, wherein disposed within said moveable assembly isone of a data cable and a power cable.
 36. The computer controlleddisplay system of claim 22, wherein said ball-and-socket assembly iscomprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, ametal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, and combinations thereof.
 37. Acomputer controlled display device, comprising: a flat panel displayhaving an input for receiving display data; a moveable assembly coupledto said display, said moveable assembly providing at least three degreesof freedom of movement for said flat panel display device and having across-sectional area which is substantially less than a cross-sectionalarea of a display structure of said flat panel display, wherein saidmoveable assembly comprises a plurality of stacked ball-and-socketassemblies, wherein a ball-and-socket assembly includes a substantiallyspherical socket, said socket having a cavity defining an inner surfaceof said socket, a substantially spherical ball within said cavity, and aseal disposed between said socket and said ball, wherein said socket andsaid ball are coupled such that movement of said ball within said cavityis capable of being suspended by increasing a pressure within saidcavity.
 38. The computer controlled display device of claim 37, furthercomprising an actuation device coupled to said moveable assembly, saidactuation device suspending movement of said moveable assembly when saidpressure is applied within said actuation device and permitting saidmovement when said pressure is lessened.
 39. The computer controlleddisplay device of claim 38, wherein said ball comprises a leaf, saidleaf being capable of flexing outward from said ball when said pressurewithin said cavity is increased.
 40. The computer controlled displaydevice of claim 39, wherein said leaf includes a friction pad to apply aforce against said inner surface of said socket when said pressurewithin said cavity is increased.
 41. The computer controlled displaydevice of claim 38, comprising: a ball of a first ball-and-socketassembly coupled to a socket of a second ball-and-socket assembly; and abore between said ball of said first ball-and-socket assembly and saidsocket of said second ball-and-socket assembly, said bore to fluidlyinterconnect said ball of said first ball-and-socket assembly and saidsocket of said second ball-and-socket assembly.
 42. The computercontrolled display device of claim 38, wherein said pressure ishydraulic pressure.
 43. The computer controlled display device of claim38, wherein said pressure is pneumatic pressure.
 44. The computercontrolled display device of claim 38, wherein said actuation deviceincludes a pump to generate said pressure.
 45. The computer controlleddisplay device of claim 37, wherein disposed within said moveableassembly is one of a data cable and a power cable.
 46. The computercontrolled display device of claim 37, wherein said ball-and-socketassembly is comprised of a material selected from the group consistingof a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic, a plastic, and combinationsthereof.
 47. A computer controlled display system, comprising: a flatpanel display having a display surface and an input for receivingdisplay data to be displayed on said display surface; a moveableassembly coupled mechanically to said flat panel display, said moveableassembly having a cross-sectional area which is substantially less thanan area of said display surface, said moveable assembly being moveableto allow said flat panel display to be selectively positioned in spacerelative to a user of said computer controlled display system, saidmoveable assembly including a plurality of stacked ball-and-socketassemblies, wherein a ball-and-socket assembly includes a substantiallyspherical socket, said socket having a cavity defining an inner surfaceof said socket, a substantially spherical ball within said cavity, and aseal disposed between said socket and said ball, wherein said socket andsaid ball are coupled such that movement of said ball within said cavityis capable of being suspended by increasing a pressure within saidcavity; and a base coupled mechanically to said moveable assembly and tosaid flat panel display through said moveable assembly, said basehousing computer components comprising a microprocessor, a memory, abus, an I/O (input/output) controller, and an I/O port, wherein saidmicroprocessor is coupled to said input of said flat panel display. 48.The computer controlled display system of claim 47, further comprisingan actuation device coupled to said moveable assembly, said actuationdevice suspending movement of said moveable assembly when said pressureis applied within said actuation device and permitting said movementwhen said pressure is lessened.
 49. The computer controlled displaysystem of claim 48, wherein said ball comprises a leaf, said leaf beingcapable of flexing outward from said ball when said pressure within saidcavity is increased.
 50. The computer controlled display system of claim49, wherein said leaf includes a friction pad to apply a force againstsaid inner surface of said socket when said pressure within said cavityis increased.
 51. The computer controlled display system of claim 48,comprising: a ball of a first ball-and-socket assembly coupled to asocket of a second ball-and-socket assembly; and a bore between saidball of said first ball-and-socket assembly and said socket of saidsecond ball-and-socket assembly, said bore to fluidly interconnect saidball of said first ball-and-socket assembly and said socket of saidsecond ball-and-socket assembly.
 52. The computer controlled displaysystem of claim 48, wherein said pressure is hydraulic pressure.
 53. Thecomputer controlled display system of claim 48, wherein said pressure ispneumatic pressure.
 54. The computer controlled display system of claim48, wherein said actuation device includes a pump to generate saidpressure.
 55. The computer controlled display system of claim 47,wherein disposed within said moveable assembly is one of a data cableand a power cable.
 56. The computer controlled display system of claim47, wherein said ball-and-socket assembly is comprised of a materialselected from the group consisting of a metal, a metal alloy, a ceramic,a plastic, and combinations thereof.